Health and Well-being
The Frog will explore The Climate Action Handbook: A Visual Guide to 100 Climate Solutions by Heidi Roop in the first 100 days of 2024
In the first `100 days of 2024 we will explore 100 climate solutions that may “empower you to evaluate, engage, and act” to address on-going climate change as an individual on your terms.
“Climate change will only help Minnesota!”.
I am not sure the folks who say that understand what they are saying. It is a grim joke. Minnesota embodies the change in climate change. According to NOAA, annual average temperatures warmed by 3.2°F from 1951-2012, faster than the national and global rates.
Our winters are changing fast. Overnight low temperatures warmed almost twice as fast as mid-day high temperatures from 1951 through 2012. This is what is making Minnesota outpace the national averages. In this time period, the average high temperatures rose 2.3°F (1.3°C) at the same time the average lows rose 4.1°F (2.3°C). There are over 20 fewer days a year where temperatures fall below freezing.
Winter recreation is big part of Minnesota’s identity: ice fishing, dog sled races, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling. All of this is predicated on cold weather, frozen lakes, and snow covered landscapes. The winter economy is diverse. Our lack of snow puts a financial strain on small businesses built around snow removal.
As the climate change impacts are felt, it may require a significant shift in the economies of individuals, businesses, and communities. Events may be cancelled. Tourist may not show up. Companies may lose business and ultimately fail.
It is not just Minnesota. The impact on ski resorts may be profound and unsettling – hard to predict and plan for. To stay in business, in some seasons resorts may rely on snowmaking which is energy and water intensive. In others, they may face record snowfall levels. Climate change brings uncertainty that affects economies.
If you enjoy winter recreation, you should reflect on how the changes will impact you personally. As the old saying goes, “everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it”. Maybe it is a trite sentiment, but we can embrace the uncertainty by joining together with those that share our passion and find a way together.
If you are motivated, you can find local and national groups of professional and amateur athletes and winter enthusiasts that have joined together to address climate change. One of these groups, Protect Our Winters (POW), was founded by professional snowboarder to “help passionate outdoor people protect the places and experiences they love from climate change”.
It is a powerful group with a focused mission and a track record of accomplishment and advocacy. You may be motivated to channel your energy and passion for outdoor recreation and sport into supporting a group like POW. Or maybe it is a model for you to join with your own group of committed, passionate kindred spirits to protect what you care about.
“… finding a group of people who share similar goals and interests can help drive climate action. This shift from ‘I’ to ‘We’ can help sustain climate work and lessen feelings of helplessness and hopelessness”
Heidi Roop
Next Up: Climate Action in 2024 – Day 81: Pay Land Use Fees
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