Global Warming Could Leave Japan With Just 7 Ski Resorts

A Dramatic Decline Projected

The number of ski resorts in Japan that operate entirely on natural snowfall could plummet to just seven if global warming continues to accelerate without effective countermeasures being taken, according to a recent study by Japanese researchers.

The study was conducted by Hokkaido University and the Forest Research and Management Organization. Researchers analyzed 349 ski resorts nationwide that have lifts or gondolas.

Key Findings at a Glance

• Under a scenario in which temperatures rise by 4 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, only seven ski resorts would remain operationally viable.
• The surviving resorts would be located across Hokkaido, Akita, Yamagata, Gunma and Nagano prefectures.
• A total of 26 resorts, including those in Aomori, Niigata and Gifu prefectures, would be able to operate only partially.
• Resorts at higher altitudes and latitudes are considered relatively more likely to survive.
• The projected decrease could deal a major blow to Japan's ski culture and regional tourism industries.

A 4-Degree Scenario With Few Survivors

A rise of 4 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels represents a scenario in which virtually no climate change measures are taken. Under those conditions, only seven ski resorts across Hokkaido, Akita, Yamagata, Gunma and Nagano prefectures would remain operationally viable, the study found.

Partial Operations for 26 Resorts

Beyond the seven fully viable resorts, a total of 26 others, including those in Aomori, Niigata and Gifu prefectures, would be able to operate only partially, according to the research.

Altitude and Latitude Improve the Odds

The study found that resorts at higher altitudes and latitudes are considered relatively more likely to survive as global temperatures climb.

A Major Blow to Ski Culture and Tourism

Researchers warned that the decrease could deal a major blow to Japan's ski culture and regional tourism industries, underscoring the stakes that continued global warming without effective countermeasures could hold for the country's winter tourism.