Utah Climate Change Kayla Solt Geography 1000 Spring 2015 Flaming Gorge Reservoir Utah, Utah.com

Climate Change Climate change has not only effected Utah, it has had an impact all over the world, but because Utah and other places in the Western United States are already hot and dry changes are very noticeable and have a dramatic impact on many different aspects of the region. Receding Great Salt Lake, crowbarandbrick.blogspot.com Jordan River Utah Utah Ski Resorts,

Effects of climate change While there are a number of consequences to climate change there are three that I consider to be extremely harmful to Utah and surrounding states specifically. Weather Changes Water Changes Economic Changes Utah winter vs. Summer, Salt Lake Valley,

Weather Changes Utah weather is anything but typical. One second can be sunny and warm and the next can be a blizzard, but for Utahans these weather patterns are the “norm” until recent years with very little precipitation. During the last few years Utah has suffered from very small fragmented storms that don’t allow for buildup of snow in the mountains that Utah residents rely on for water. Utah typically has very hot, dry summers and cold snowy winters however currently Utah has not been having cold winters with ample amounts of snow. Salt Lake City, Spring 2015, thinkprogress.org My family typically goes camping in Flaming Gorge Ut during the early spring to fish just after the ice comes off the lake but this year it never completely froze because the temperatures were too mild.

Changes in Utah Water Mountain runoff for the year is expected to be extremely low compared to what it typically is. Streams, rivers and lakes have lower water levels than usual. Little snowpack in the mountains has led to reduced water in Utah watersheds. ( Most of Utah's population relies on water from watersheds) As a result of the water changes several cities have already placed restrictions on water use including Payson and American Fork (ksl.com), other cities will likely do the same. Jordan river watershed Upper Mill Creek, Slco.org

While most agricultural profit in Utah comes from cattle and other livestock there are several crops grown in Utah. Hay Wheat, Corn and Barley Fruit (apples, cherries, peaches, Apricots and pears) Onions, potatoes and dry beans Mushrooms Without enough water farmers will have a more difficult time growing crops that play an important role in Utah economics. Crop farming utahhvac.net

Utah Ski Resorts Utah has 14 ski resorts total which bring in about 4.2 million skiers each year. In 2013 ski resorts, national parks and other state attractions brought in 1 billion dollars in tax revenue to the state of Utah. Aside from winter revenue approximately 12% of all summer recreation revenue comes from the ski resorts in Utah. Utah is known for having “The Greatest Snow On Earth”, but with changing climate the snow has changed too. Utah snow is typically light powder but with warmer temperatures the snow is wetter and heavier making it less ideal for winter sports. Without ski resorts bringing in tourists Utah economy will suffer greatly. Ksl.com Parkcitypeaks.com

What can be done? Climate change is a global issue affecting everyone, meaning everyone needs to make changes to improve the quality of the planet, and while some of them may seem inconsequential even small changes can make a difference. Everyone has a responsibility to protect the planet for future generations. Personally I think protecting the planet is a fair trade off for enjoying all the world has to offer. My personal pictures from Flaming Gorge National Rec. Area