Recreation
In addition to causing all sorts of problems, such as heat waves, droughts, and coastline damage, warmer temperatures could also affect people's jobs, recreational activities, and hobbies. For example, in areas that usually experience cold winters, warmer temperatures could reduce opportunities for skiing, ice fishing, and other winter sports. Also, rising sea level could wash away beaches.
What's at stake?
Ski Season
As air temperatures continue to rise, ski season won't last as long. Places that are used to getting lots of snow might get more rain instead. Some ski resorts might have to close because of climate change. There may be shorter seasons for other cold weather activities, like outdoor ice skating, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.
- What can people do about it?
Owners of ski resorts and other businesses (such as hotels and restaurants) that depend on winter sports can take steps to prepare for a shorter or less profitable winter season. For example, some ski resorts have added activities like golf and mountain biking to make money during other parts of the year.
What's at stake?
Beaches
Higher sea level will mean less space at the beach. A combination of stronger storms and sea level rise could increase the rate of erosion along the coast, and some beaches could disappear altogether.
- What can people do about it?
People already add sand to certain beaches to replace sand that has washed away. In the future, people might have to replenish beach sand more often, but this will cost more money. In other places, people might choose to build sea walls or other structures to protect the shore from erosion. Ideally, these projects will be planned carefully to prevent them from damaging important habitats for plants and animals.
Learn more
- Take an expedition to the European Alps to learn more about the effects of climate change on winter recreation—and what people can do to prepare.
- Take an expedition to the Maldives to learn more about sea level rise and how it will affect coastal areas.
- Find out more about how people can prepare for rising sea level and stronger coastal storms.