This report, titled Our Changing Snowscapes: Climate Change Impacts and Recommendations for the Australian Alps developed by the Australian Mountain Research Facility and ANU, commissioned by Protect Our Winters Australia, reviews the current state of climate change impacts on the Australian Alps and puts forward recommendations for a better path forward. POW Australia commissioned this report as we found that the information on climate impacts in the Australian Alps was fragmented and outdated, with significant focus on snowfall and ecological impacts, and limited research on the social and economic consequences of climate change.
In commissioning this report, we have brought together the current breadth of knowledge of climate impacts and projections on the Australian Alps, looking specifically at a wide range of economic, social and environmental impacts. The spectacular Australian Alps extend over 1.6 million hectares of public land contained in 11 national parks and nature reserves across New South Wales (NSW), Victoria (VIC), and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). They are home to nationally significant winter-tourism sectors, thriving and passionate regional communities and some of Australia’s most unique and fragile landscapes.