climate change in the austrian alps 197119912002
TRANSCRIPT
The Austrian Alps• The Austrian Alps are one of the great mountain range
systems in Europe• Take great influence on the European climate• Diverse natural vegetation• Heavily influenced by the Retreat
of Glaciers
Retreat of Glaciers• Causes: Increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions,
which accelerate global warming
• Impacts of glacier retreat:
1. Snowline rise
2. Local businesses (hotels, operators of ski-lifts etc.) might suffer from less tourism
3. Extinction of alpine plants
4. Extinction of animals
5. Shortage of drinking water
Unfreezing of permafrost soil• Icy layer that stabilises alpine ground („mountain glue“)
• Impacts of an unfreezing of permafrost soil:
1. Increase in mudslides and avalanches (=snowslides)
2. Alpine buildings might collapse
3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcV9xiex5nI
What should we do?
Diminish carbon dioxide emissions and save energy by:
• using energy-saving lamps• turning off electronic devices when they‘re not being used • taking public transportation• installing heat insulation• eating less meat (methane)• supporting sustainable energy (solar power, wind power,
geothermal power)