The winter season is supposed to be a time for frigid weather and dark skies, but many people have now been reporting that winter doesn’t feel the same anymore. Climates all across the world are getting warmer and warmer compared to the years before. This is viewed as a problem by many, and it’s important to understand what it is and what can be done about it.
Snowfall has been shown to decline all over the United States while warmer temperatures are going up. Snowfall has been shown to decrease all over the United States. The United States Environmental Protection Agency wrote the following on the subject; “Between 1972 and 2020, the average portion of North America covered by snow decreased at a rate of about 1,870 square miles per year, based on weekly measurements taken throughout the year.” The lack of snow across the region is very alarming, as the upper parts of North America are known for their frigid conditions and endless amounts of snow. The consequences of a decrease in snow are numerous.
A warmer climate and lack of snowfall can lead to a number of issues, ranging from recreation to water supply. One of the biggest concerns regarding the warmer climate is agriculture. Many crops such as cabbages, broccoli, kale, and onions work the best in colder climates, so warmer temperatures will hurt their growth and development, forcing farmers to come up with new ideas and innovations. The warmer weather has also led to a shortage of water supply, particularly in California. Californian farmers are very reliant on snow as a source of water. Snow will often stay frozen in the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada but eventually melts over during the spring and provides agricultural workers with water to irrigate their crops. But now, as the climate warms and snowfall decreases, farmers find themselves with a lack of water in their reservoirs. This lack of water will lead to a decrease in production and harm local communities.
Another issue with the now more temperate and milder climate is the emergence of pests. Many of us are aware that the climate can affect the population of pests. Many pests will be plentiful in the summers but uncommon in the winters. The harsh temperatures of winter make it harder for them to survive. However, with a warmer winter climate, pests have been able to return and harm others. One famous example is the mosquito, a species who dies out in the winter, but is now capable of surviving and reproducing through the warmer winter climate. Mosquitos are particularly an issue due to the fact that they spread deadly diseases such as malaria and west nile virus. Mosquitoes serve as a pest, but now with a warmer climate, they will be able to be an annoyance to us all year round.
There are also a number of smaller issues which are caused due to the now temperate winters, one of which is recreation. Aiden Nicastro, a freshman at Saugus High School stated the following on the topic; “I went to Maine over break, expecting a lot of snow. I was really hoping to go skiing, but there wasn’t enough snow.” Many places like Maine rely on tourism to sustain the economy. Without winter tourism, local economies can drop which decreases the quality of life of everyone who lives there.
The warmer winters are becoming a large issue that is beginning to be addressed. While this is a big problem, we must all be informed about it and understand just how impactful it is onto us.
Sources: https://www.npr.org/2020/02/18/803125282/how-warming-winters-are-affecting-everything
https://www.edf.org/blog/2020/02/12/5-reasons-why-your-warmer-winter-so-alarming
https://www.axios.com/2023/03/09/climate-change-warm-winters-us
