Where Did All The Snow Go?

Colorado weather is known for its snowy and cold climate during the winter. Recently, Colorado is undergoing a rapid and scary transformation. According to 350 Colorado, “...multiple independent measurements, Colorado temperatures have increased by approximately two degrees (F) between 1977 and 2006. According to the Colorado Health Institute, this increase ranks Colorado as the 20th fastest-warming state since 1970.” These altering conditions impact the weather of Colorado by damaging the water cycle, causing forest fires, “snow drought”, and more. These impacts are highlighted by the National Weather Service, NWS Boulder, that 2025 was the second warmest on record. In addition, CBS news reported that in 2025, Christmas day broke the record, recently set since 1939, for the warmest Christmas day in Denver reaching 70°.

According to NASA, climate change is happening because human activity damages the greenhouse gas concentration. There is an increase in greenhouse gases because of burning of fossil fuels. As stated by Understanding Global Change, human activity leads to, “... the burning of oil, natural gas, and coal to generate energy. We use this energy to generate electricity, and to power transportation (for example, cars and planes) and industrial processes.” First, sun rays pass through the atmosphere. The sun rays then get divided up into sections and directions. Some rays get reflected into space allowing Earth to cool. While other rays get trapped by carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. As a result, the increased carbon dioxide causes heat to be retained leading to increased temperatures.

As stated by Colorado Water Conversion Board, “With increasing temperatures come shifts in snowmelt runoff, water quality concerns, stressed ecosystems and transportation infrastructure, impacts to energy demands, and extreme weather events that can impact air quality and recreational opportunities.” According to CPR News, “Snow drought” indicates unusually low levels of snowpack, which can be driven by low snowfall during the winter, precipitation falling as rain instead of snow, or a lack of snow accumulation because of warm temperatures.” Colorado relies on snow packs since it makes up 70% of water supply. This leads to water quality concerns and drought.  This large change impacts the Colorado River, which provides water for approximately 40 million people, decreasing by 20%. Penn State Institutes of Energy and the Environment, highlights, “This issue has been exacerbated by a two-decade-long drought, meaning that not only did we never have as much water as planned, but we now have even less. Reservoirs are at historic lows, and at the same time, demand is increasing due to higher temperatures and drier conditions. Everyone feels they are not getting what they were promised, creating tensions among stakeholders.” As for recreational opportunities, Colorado Climate Action, explains, “According to one 2020 federal study, Colorado’s and other Intermountain West economies that rely on outdoor recreation are in peril by the increasing frequency and intensity of droughts. A 2017 study found that ski seasons will become shorter across the U.S. as the climate warms, including in Colorado.” Consequently, climate change is harming Coloradans ability to have fun outdoors. Joshua Patterson, a senior at East High, expresses, “I think people in Colorado should be slightly concerned given how little snow we’ve gotten and how warm this winter has been. This weather feels extremely abnormal for Colorado and makes me question if the hot winter is preparing us for an abysmal summer.” 

Colorado isn't the only place that climate change has taken an impact, this is a world struggle. European Union, mentions that climate change, “Polar ice shields are melting and the sea is rising. In some regions, extreme weather events and rainfall are becoming more common while others are experiencing more extreme heat waves and droughts.” This is an issue because the environment is being damaged. 

Green Peace UK, emphasizes some ways to make climate change better are keeping fossil fuels in the ground and investing in renewable energy. Another solution is helping the Climate Action Network that tackles the climate change crisis. People can support by becoming a member, donating, and spreading awareness.