1. Climate Change in the Austrian Alps
1971
1991
2002

2. The Austrian Alps
The Austrian Alps are one of the great mountain range systems in Europe
Take great influence on the European climate
Diverse natural vegetation
Heavily influenced by the Retreat
of Glaciers

3. Greenhouse Effect

4. Retreat of Glaciers
Causes: Increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which accelerate global warming
Impacts of glacier retreat:
Snowline rise
Local businesses (hotels, operators of ski-lifts etc.) might suffer from less tourism
Extinction of alpine plants
Extinction of animals
Shortage of drinking water

6. Unfreezing of permafrost soil
Icy layer that stabilises alpine ground („mountain glue“)
Impacts of an unfreezing of permafrost soil:
Increase in mudslides and avalanches (=snowslides)
Alpine buildings might collapse

7. Environmental Disaster
More storms
Increase in floodings

9. What should we do?
Diminish carbon dioxide emissions and save energy by:
using energy-saving lamps
turning off electronic devices when they‘re not being used
taking public transportation
installing heat insulation
eating less meat (methane)
supporting sustainable energy (solar power, wind power, geothermal power)

10. Thank you for your kind attention!