CLIMATE CHANGE IN THE AUSTRIAN ALPS

1971 1991 2002

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

Greenhouse Effect

Retreat of Glaciers• Causes: Increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions,

which accelerate global warming

• Impacts of glacier retreat: 1. Snowline rise2. Local businesses (hotels, operators of ski-lifts etc.)

might suffer from less tourism3. Extinction of alpine plants4. Extinction of animals5. 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 collapse3. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcV9xiex5nI

Environmental Disaster• More storms

• Increase in floodings

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)

Thank you for your kind attention!