March 2023

One idea being tested on several glaciers around the world in recent years has been to use snowmaking to create a layer of artificial snow in an effort to stop melting and even rebuild glaciers. However results of a study into using snowmaking on the Morteratsch glacier which has been running for two years in south-eastern Switzerland have found that while the process can slow melting, it does not stop it, nor does it stabilise the thawing glacier as a whole. In recent years glacial ice has more and more often been exposed to the direct heat of the summer sun as the ‘protective layer’ of winter snow is quickly melted off the ice during the spring. The darker ice…

Italy’s Val Gardena is working to cut CO2 emissions with both short and long-term goals. The famous South Tyrol ski resort, with a commitment to sustainability that has now been confirmed with GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council) certification, has targeted what’s been identified as the largest source of CO2 emissions in the province: transport. More than 40% of fossil fuel emissions is mostly caused by private cars, which in turn results in heavy traffic, especially at peak  times of the ski season. Val Gardena’s goals, by 2026, include creating a mobility centre which will develop projects for car-free and accessible connections. The targets include reducing traffic on mountain passes (Gardena Pass and Sella Pass) by 20%; increasing arrival on public…