Mayrhofen

Global warming has affected the small town of Mayrhofen drastically as the altering of its sensitive climate has proven to cause major environmental implications (IPCC, 2022; Hruby, 2020; Berwyn, 2018). Environmental effects such as the lessening of snowfall, the shortening of winter seasons, the warming of winter seasons, and increased glacial melt (Hruby, 2021; Berwyn, 2016; Schilly, 2015). Mayrhofen is changing (Hruby, 2020; Berwyn, 2018; Berwyn, 2016). With the town of Mayrhofen so reliant on tourism and skiing these changes are acting as a dagger for many local livelihoods and the economy as a whole (Hruby, 2020; Berwyn, 2018; Beryn, 2016). Slowly the dagger cuts away at what keeps Mayrhofen afloat economically (Groendhal, 2020; Gahleitner, 2018; Schilly, 2015). Less skiable days, less skiable terrain, and worse conditions, decrease Mayrhofen’s lucrativeness (Groendhal, 2020; Gahleitner, 2018; Schilly, 2015). Slowly but progressively each year the town succumbs to more losses (Groendhal, 2020; Gahleitner, 2018; Schilly, 2015). These negative changes to the environment of Mayrhofen, its people, and the economy will not be halted unless serious action is taken (Groendhal, 2020; Gahleitner, 2018; Schilly, 2015). 

Climate change has been reaping havoc on many essential environmental aspects of Mayrhofen and their depletion tends to have a trickle-down effect (Hruby, 2020; Berwyn, 2018; Beryn, 2016). The changes affect aspects of the environment, the economy, and the people of Mayrhofen (Hruby, 2020; Berwyn, 2018; Beryn, 2016). The fragility of Mayrhofen’s ecosystem is due to climate change and the parasitic relationship between the people of Mayrhofen and the usage of the natural world around them (Hruby, 2020; Berwyn, 2018; Beryn, 2016). This relationship coupled with the effects of climate change has only resulted in a downward spiral of negative environmental impacts (Hruby, 2020; Berwyn, 2018; Beryn, 2016). Implementing developments in the mountains for recreation and tourism increases vulnerability and contributes to climate change (Creamontblanc, 2022; IPCC 2022; Hruby, 2020). Deforestation often needed to increase the development of trails, lodges, and lifts is just another example of a contribution to negatively affecting the Mayrhofen ecosystem and increasing its vulnerability to climate change (IPCC, 2022; Guo, 2018; Beryn, 2016). There are also interactions with land use (IPCC, 2022; Guo, 2018; Beryn, 2016) For example, a decrease in forest cover can exacerbate the effects of rising temperatures (IPCC 2022; Guo, 2018). The environmental changes affect the landscape which in turn affects the number of people who visit, which affects the economy, which affects the people of Mayrhofen (IPCC, 2022; Guo, 2018; Beryn, 2016). For example, glaciers have been turning black (IPCC, 2022; Guo, 2018; Beryn, 2016). This coloration happens when airborne soot and other pollutants settle onto glaciers. The matter sticks in which increasing the absorption of heat from the sun (IPCC, 2022; Vidal, 2014). This also then increases the rate at which the glaciers will melt (IPCC, 2022; Vidal, 2014). Normally, white glaciers reflect the sun's light and help keep climates mild (IPCC, 2022; Vidal, 2014).

• The implementation of snowmaking machines has increased snow production to combat the lessening of natural snow during the winter seasons (Hruby, 2021; Berwyn, 2016; Schilly, 2015). 
• The covering of glaciers with tarps particularly the Hintertux Glacier has been pursued to reduce melt rate and reduce albedo (Hruby, 2021; Berwyn, 2016; Schilly, 2015).
• Green energy alternatives have been implemented throughout the valley. For example solar panels (Hruby, 2021; Berwyn, 2016; Schilly, 2015). 
• The restructuring of ski mountains into bike parks has kept money coming in and the economy from plummeting exponentially (Hruby, 2021; Berwyn, 2016; Schilly, 2015).