Author Archives: Elizabeth Stewart-Severy

Amid the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, people continue to turn to nature for solace, and local environmental organizations are adjusting to the crisis and working to prepare for what comes next.

Since the ski lifts between Aspen and Vail stopped spinning on March 14, Holy Cross has seen demand for electricity fall 8% to 10%. 

In studying what led to the March 2019 avalanche cycle, snow scientists are identifying some elements — such as warmer temperatures, wetter air and snow, and more-intense storms — that are not so unusual and are consistent with a warming climate.

The Rocky Mountain Wolf Project identified several potential reintroduction sites, including the Flat Tops Wilderness north of Glenwood Springs; Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests; Weminuche Wilderness in San Juan National Forest; and Carson National Forest.

“I would say that the most important thing that we could do is ultimately stop deforestation, not just because of the amount of carbon they store, but also because of all of the important services that we get from forests.”

After wildfires burn through vegetation and scorch soils, there’s an increased risk of erosion, flooding and debris flows. On Basalt Mountain, the unusual topography added a new layer to the hydrology.

“I’m coming to Aspen mostly because, frankly, it’s where lots and lots of people in the financial industry come to play, and the financial industry — the biggest banks and asset managers in the world — are increasingly the focus of efforts to try and slow down climate change.”