Weather experts may have found a new problem caused by global warming, one which many people will pay attention to: There are signs that Santa’s home in the North may be in trouble because of warmer temperatures.
The Finnish town of Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle, which many Europeans say is the home of Santa Claus, has had its warmest winter in 40 years. As a result, there has been much less snow than usual—meaning no snowmen, no snowballs and possible not enough snow for Santa to ride his sleigh on.
More important for local residents, it may mean fewer tourists, as well. Santa’s wintry hometown normally attracts thousands of visitors each year, and millions of dollars.
Anne Pelttari-Bergman, the town’s tourist director, worries that the town could be in trouble if snow levels do not return to normal. She explains: “Snow is really important for us, of course. For Santa Claus, for Christmas tourism, and also for our winter tourism because winter is our best season. It is really important for us.”
Weather experts and town residents are hoping this warm winter is a one-time thing. Few people can imagine a holiday when even Santa does not have a white Christmas.
