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'Greenpiste' - Mountain Environmental Concerns
| The Environment in the Mountains |
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Now that climate change has become one of the world’s major issues, we thought it appropriate to compile these articles to help raise awareness of the environmental impact that we have on the mountains. The continued development of ski resorts creates significant pressure on the mountains and it’s eco-system, and it is an undisputable fact that the glaciers are retreating. So if you want to know how you can help preserve the mountains for future generations, read on… |
| Environmentally Friendly Skiing |
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For many of the European Alpine resorts, winter is an important source of income and snow is heavily relied upon for related sports such as skiing, snowboarding, telemarking, hiking and ice-climbing. However, when we drive or fly to our favorite ski resorts, climb on the brand new six-seated chairlift through the trees; toss our cigarette butts in the snow, chuck our orange peel from the chairlift targeting a skier/boarder below; few of us ever really stop to consider the impact the sport is having on the mountain and its eco-system. For example, did you know the following facts:
orange peel takes up to two years to break down;cigarette butts will remain on the hillside for up to 5 years before the atmosphere breaks them down (which we hear on the alpine grapevine is contributing to 'alleged' increases in lung cancer amongst marmottes and chamoiswhen skiing through trees, you can damage them by knocking off branches and killing young shoots underneath;your snotty tissues and plastic sweet wrappers will still be on the mountain there when you’re back at work dreaming of your next winter holiday! ... see "Environmental Impact of Skiing" for more |
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last updated 18-Feb-2008 |
| Glacial Erosion |
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It has been well documented recently that following a cycle of hot summers and mild winters European glaciers are slowly retreating back up the mountain. Scientists often consider natural phenomenon such as glaciers to be amongst the best indicator of climate change so rapidily shrinking glaciers and glacial tongue retreats are good indicators of atmospheric warming conditions. Are we experiencing a predictable climate change? Or is the human activity in our planet impacting on our global climate? Who knows, present indicators could suggest both argurments but something is sure, our glaciers are disappearing and only time will reveal if they will disappear forever. ... see "Glacial Meltdown" for more
International Glaciological Society
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last updated 12-Mar-2008 |
| Seven Steps to Preserve the Mountain |
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These seven steps to preserve the mountain have been provided by The Ski Club of Great Britain who launched their RESPECT THE MOUNTAIN Campaign during the winter 2005 season.
You can show your love of the mountains and how you care about their future by supporting their cause, and purchasing a RESPECT THE MOUNTAIN green wristband. Each of the wristbands costs £2, and can be purchased by visiting Ski Club of Great Britain. (All profits raised from the sale of the wristbands goes straight towards their tree planting scheme and research project.)
... see "Respect the Mountain" for more |
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last updated 18-Feb-2008 |
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