When Winter Begins and Ends
Winter began on December 21st and will continue until March 19th. We have not had a good Connecticut winter with cold and snow in many years. For some that might be welcome, but for those who depend on a true winter for jobs or for recreation, the lack of winter can be hard.
Economic Value of Snowy Seasons
No matter your thoughts on winter, we should all be hoping for a true winter and appreciate it if we get one. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has compiled information on the importance of snow. 1.2 billion people globally depend on seasonal snowpack and glaciers for their water supplies, and that would include us to a degree. The winter season of 2009-2010 provided $12.2 billion of profit due to snow-related tourist and recreation activities just in the United States, a big boost to local economies.
Snow and Global Warming
Snow also helps lessen global warming. Albedo is the measure of solar energy reflected by something. The more the sun’s energy is reflected, the less heating of the Earth that will occur. To give some context, albedo levels range from 0, which indicates complete absorption of energy and no reflection, to 1, which would indicate complete reflection. Asphalt has an albedo of 0.1, concrete 0.4, and fresh snow 0.9, though that does decrease as snow melts or gets dirty. Snowpack also acts as an insulator, protecting plants and organisms in the ground from temperature fluctuations in winter.
Cold Winters vs. Insects
The cold of winter can also kill off some insects, but this must be sustained cold, not the ups and downs we have often see these last few years. Temperatures need to be below freezing consistently for about two weeks to kill off many of the fleas and ticks. If we can get below zero for a day or so, that will kill off the wooly adelgid, a parasite of our native Eastern Hemlocks. Other insects can also be negatively impacted by cold, and a rule of thumb is that the more sustained cold we have the worse it is for insects and the better it will be for us when the warm weather returns.
How to Support Winter Weather
What can you do to encourage a snowy, cold winter? Less driving with gas vehicles which limit carbon emissions is a big help. And consider the albedo of your home and property and aim for lighter colors to increase the albedo level.
Finding Joy in Winter
And if the boost to the environment still doesn’t make you a fan of winter, consider these tips for easing your way through the season. Think meaningfully of the advantages of winter. If we get a significant snowfall, let your inner child come out and go skiing, make a snow angel or have a snowball fight. Sound travels better in cold air, so listen to how chatty the birds are. Inside your home, embrace the German term gemütlich or the Scandinavian term hygge. Both mean an enhanced cozy feeling, so create a cozy home for yourself with warm lighting, hearty foods, and companionship of some sort. And keep in mind, the days are slowly getting longer, and spring will be here before you know it.
