by Lola Mancari and Jack Walton, 9th Grade
Even hearty residents of the Berkshires can agree that recent winters have been roller coasters: wind and ice storms, extreme precipitation, blizzards, unseasonably warm days, and yes, icy cold days, as well. Trends in recent decades document that winter temperatures have been rising with less snow falling in Berkshire County. (Some folks don’t really see a problem with that.) However, some regional activities and businesses are greatly affected, including ski areas and sites popular for ice fishing, so livelihoods dependent on traditionally colder winters are hurting. Warmer water in the Great Lakes means wetter weather in the Berkshires, and warmer temperatures have more than doubled the incidences of ice storms in the past 50 years over the previous 60 years (MA Climate Action Tool). Ice storms have negative impacts such as power outages, damaged trees and damage to crops due to frozen buds.
According to WRHS History teacher Mr. Rocky Dailey, “We’re not just seeing less snow, but when we do it melts more quickly, causing local flooding. Ultimately, at the coast this results in a rise in ocean levels.” Biology and Human Body teacher, Miss Nicole Swegal, noted that longer-term effects on nature and the environment are particularly concerning. “For example, most birds in North America migrate for nesting as well as for food; however, warmer temperatures cause insects to emerge earlier in the spring, an adjustment which potentially deprives birds of nutrients from larvae they need to survive.”
Becket residents Linda and Dave Bacon have a tree nursery on their Canterbury Farm property and manage a cross-country ski and snow shoeing business in the winter, so they depend on snow and cold weather. Climate change has impacted their busy season. Winter starts later, and since it is later, trees are budding during cold snaps. As Dave summed it up, “It affects everything.” Fortunately, they have many scenic trails on their property, so they were able to convert a recent “ski and snowshoe” event into a wonderful day of hiking.
Weather changes day to day, but global trends tell a longer story.
