Ski Resorts act as Barometer to Climate Change

The ski industry’s survival depends on the availability of snow and is therefore extremely vulnerable to climate change. Given the value of their assets, experts say that they are likely to be the most responsive to the issue.

[ClickPress, Wed Nov 15 2006] Published by Blackwell Publishing for the Institute of Australian Geographers in the December 2006 issue of Geographical Research, this study sets out to explore the responses of businesses in this industry to the perceived threat of climate change. Leading author Dr. Phil McManus from the School of Geosciences at the University of Sydney explains how the findings provide invaluable insights into how other firms and industries might respond to the biophysical impacts of climate change.

“Perceptions of climate change are an important starting point in the study of likely responses to, and implications of, climate change in any system. The ski industry - one of the most visible and immediate industries impacted upon by climate change - offers invaluable insights into how other businesses may respond appropriately to climate change”, said Dr. McManus.

The authors drew on an improved the model of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and its development as a policy framework for adaptation.

Major findings include the discovery that a physical meltdown may not lead to a financial meltdown, that business responses to climate change are more varied than its representation in the existing literature to date, and that the tension between competing firms on the one hand and industry cooperation on the other, strongly influences the type of response that may develop.

Keeping in mind that the scenarios presented by climatologists are not easily compatible with the timeframes that businesses work within, future research into climate modeling will need to account for the potential requirements and needs of business while accommodating the commercial sensitivities of the information.

Co-author Sharon Bicknell added, “This research has potential to impact development and implementation policies relating to climate change and environmental issues management initiatives. Findings from this study should aid further research into the ski industry and climate change, and could go on to provide an important guide for the survival of ski resorts and how businesses in other industries that are vulnerable to climate change may be anticipated to act.”

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This paper is published in the December 2006 issue of Geographical Research (Vol. 44, issue 4, 386 - 400). Media wishing to receive a PDF or further information should contact alina.boey@asia.blackwellpublishing.com



About Geographical Research
Geographical Research, formerly Australian Geographical Studies, is the international journal of the Institute of Australian Geographers. The journal publishes high quality papers that advance geographical research across the breadth of the discipline. In addition to major research articles, the journal publishes shorter contributions, including Commentaries, Research Notes and Teaching Notes. Geographical Research is published four times per year.

About Blackwell Publishing
Blackwell Publishing is the world’s leading society publisher, partnering with 660 academic and professional societies. Blackwell publishes over 800 journals and has over 6,000 books in print, across a wide range of academic, medical, and professional subjects. The company remains independent with over 1,000 staff members in offices in the US, UK, Australia, China, Singapore, Denmark, Germany, and Japan. Blackwell’s mission as an expert publisher is to create long-term partnerships with our clients that enhance learning, disseminate research, and improve the quality of professional practice.

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