A popular tourist destination high in the sky, the Alps — and other snowy peaks — are so much more than just a great spot for skiing. But increased tourism and increased temperatures are threatening to forever change this mountain ecosystem.
Despite reaching an intimidating height of 4,804 meters (15,774 feet); the Alps mountain range in Europe is surprisingly dense with BIODIVERSITY. Home to 4,500 different plants species and an estimated 30,000 animal species, this frosty region hosts an intricate ecosystem in the sky.
Elevated — and essential — life
The Alps are spread throughout southern Europe in France, Switzerland, Monaco, Italy, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, and Slovenia. The tallest mountain is Mont Blanc in France and Italy, followed by Monte Rosa in Switzerland and Italy.
The temperature throughout the Alps varies based on the location. The average temperature is -5 to 4 degrees Celsius (23-39 Fahrenheit). But this has changed. Over the last century, the Alps have warmed by nearly 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit).
The Alps is an integral source of water, irrigation and power across Europe (contributing to about 90% of lowland Europe’s drinking water) and one of the continent’s last wild places. If they change too much, there could be devastating impact.
Preventing an avalanche of problems
Increased temperatures across the globe have caused the season of snow cover in the Alps to decrease by 36 days. Sustained lack of snow has affected soil quality and water availability — leading to a domino effect of species loss and pollution.
Using artificial snow is now becoming necessary to keep up with the demand for skiing. For some local economies, which rely on ski tourism, this has led to desperate solutions — like blowing up a mountain ridge to combine two skiing areas. Urbanization leading to habitat loss and increased temperatures remains a primary concern for the future of Alpine species across Europe.
Melting ice and habitat loss isn't a problem contained to just the Alps; worldwide, vital mountain glaciers are experiencing unprecedented melts. Without increased help for conservation initiatives, we could lose BIODIVERSITY in snowy peaks throughout the world.
