The Sierra Nevada is important, which is why it is not just a popular skiing resort, but also a Reserva de la Biosfera, Parque Natural and Parque Nacional. It is also the most southern skiing resort in Europe.

Thanks to its alpine climate it has rich flora, hence the title of Biosphere Reserve. It is also a very import source of fresh water.

A recent study carried out on this famous mountain range came up with the following results: examining the meteorological data from the last 55 years they have arrived at the conclusion that each year, on average, there was 0.08% less snow and 0.3% fewer days of snow cover.

However, over the last 15 years, rainfall has become less, making the loss in snow-cover extension and duration more pronounced. It has also led to the thaw irrigation channels obtaining maximum flow later in the year and losing it sooner.

Editorial comment: You don’t have to be a scientist, however, to notice that the climate is changing and that the Sierra Nevada spends most of the year without being, ‘nevada.’

(News: Sierra Nevada, Granada, Andalucia)