On Thin Ice: Winter Sports and Climate Change - David Suzuki ...

on thin ice: winter sports and cliMate change
Executive Summary
Winter sports are a crucial part of Canada’s economy, culture, and identity
Canadians playing pond hockey on the prairies, skiing down the powdery faces
of the Canadian Rockies, skating along the Rideau Canal, cross-country skiing
through Quebec’s forests, building snow forts in communities across the
country – these are just some of the images that define the Canadian identity.
Winter and winter sports are a large part of who we are.
Winter sports events and tourism are also an important source of income for many of
Canada’s cities and rural communities. Canada’s ski sector contributes about $839 million
to the economy every year while winter tourism, including festivals and cultural events,
provides an estimated $5 billion.
What would it mean to Canada if we could no longer play outdoor hockey for most
of the winter? Or if opportunities to ski and snowboard were to diminish across Canada?
What if a growing number of winter festivals had to be cancelled because of a lack of natural
snow? For communities that depend on winter sports culture, it could be as devastating as
the loss of an automobile manufacturing plant to an industrial community.
And it could be the harsh reality for Canada’s winter sports culture if we don’t take
international action to reduce global warming. The good news is that there are affordable
solutions that offer new jobs and investment in the emerging green economy. However,
the window for action is short and bold leadership is required.
This report examines how the decisions we make now about our response to climate
change, including choices to reduce carbon dioxide (fossil fuel-based) emissions and implement
adaptive measures, will ultimately affect the future of winter sports and the role they
play as part of Canada’s identity, natural heritage, and economy. The report concludes with
recommendations about how winter sports stakeholders can take action on climate change
and begin to adapt to the changes in Canadian winters already underway.
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photo: randy lincks