Associated Press–ASPEN — Aspen Ski Area hosted a ski race without snow Saturday May 5th to highlight the effect climate change has on the outdoor-recreation industry.
“Climate change is already pounding businesses and communities, whether you’re a ski resort, an insurance agency or a raft business,” said Auden Schendler, Aspen Skiing Co. vice president of sustainability.
Organizers said the gathering was part of more than 1,000 rallies in more than 100 countries in an effort to “connect the dots” between extreme weather and climate change. The day’s events were organized by 350.org, an environmental group.
Aspen has built a solar array which produces enough electricity to power 20 homes as well as also developing a small hydroelectric plant on Snowmass Mountain. Over the next eight years Aspen has committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 25 percent across 2000 levels. Aspen has also put new green building regulations in place which will apply to new buildings and has donated over a million dollars to local environment causes through its environmental foundation.
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15 May 2012
In the News