New Analysis by NOAA Climate Scientist Reveals Global Decline in Snowfall Due to Human-Caused Climate Change
Snowfall is dwindling across the globe as temperatures rise due to climate change caused by human activities, according to a new analysis and maps from a NOAA climate scientist. While the decrease in snow may seem inconsequential, it poses significant threats by reinforcing warming and disrupting food and water for billions of people.
Climate scientists warn that a warmer world will result in more rainfall than snowfall. Although there may be an increase in intense winter storms and some years of heightened snowfall in the near future, overall, snowfall amounts are predicted to significantly decline as the planet’s temperature rises. Brian Brettschneider, a climate scientist with the National Weather Service, emphasized that the laws of thermodynamics will ultimately prevail, leading to a transition from snow to rain.
Justin Mankin, a climate scientist at Dartmouth College, explained that the decline in snowfall will not occur at a linear rate with rising temperatures but will accelerate once a specific temperature threshold is reached. According to Brettschneider’s analysis, there has already been a 2.7% decline in annual global snowfall since 1973, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere’s mid-latitudes, where much of the world’s population resides.
This decline in snowfall poses a significant threat to water supplies, particularly in regions with extreme precipitation cycles. Reduced snowfall means less snowpack, which usually serves as a natural reservoir. This is crucial for water supplies, especially in arid regions like the western United States, where snowpack provides more than 50% of the water supply.
According to a 2017 study, declining snowpack levels in the West are predicted to continue in the coming years. The impact of reduced snowfall extends beyond just water supplies, presenting a vast management challenge that requires careful planning and innovative solutions.
More research is needed to better understand the relationship between snow and water supplies at a local scale to help water managers plan for a future with less snowfall and more rainfall. To stay updated on the latest news and expert insights, sign up for a CNN account today.
