BLOOMBERG • January 10, 2024
The long-term trend, especially in the normally colder parts of the U.S. and other countries, is one of warmer winters with less of the white stuff. Why does snow matter? For one thing, people pay good money to play in it for some reason, generating billions of dollars in economic activity. Its melting provides water for drinking and agriculture in summer months when it’s needed most. A cold, snowy winter keeps mosquitoes and other dangerous bugs in check while keeping some other plants and animals alive. It shortens the pollen season for allergy sufferers. Snow protects winter crops, and cold helps fruit and nut trees. Meanwhile, a hotter planet means more air conditioning in the other seasons, offsetting some of the benefit of less heating in the winter. ~ Mark Gongloff