As the world begins to see effects of climate change in full force, lack of snow has been a growing concern and lasting observation. Especially here in Hingham, minimal dustings and dry seasons have left snow shovels growing cobwebs in every garage. Students at Hingham have noticed these differences.

Freshman Hailey Catalfano shared, “I have definitely noticed less snow since when I was younger. I feel like the last time we had a lot of snow, disregarding the recent snowstorm, was in the mid 2010’s.”

While Hinghamites still experience the teeth-chattering cold every winter, the sight of a snow-covered town has left citizens relying on nostalgia from years ago. 

However, the same can not be said recently for the far eastern regions of Russia. According to the New York Post, the areas received the most snow in 60 years over the course of December, with the far eastern sectors of the Kamchatka Peninsula getting around 6.5 feet. 

This amount of snow brings many challenges such as covered cars, blocked doorways, and unsafe roads. Townspeople have had to dig their way out of apartment buildings, as well as find solutions for safe travel. With cars submerged under numerous feet of snow, options are limited for navigating around town, Even upon releasing their cars from the jaws of precipitation, the four-wheel drive traction on many of the vehicles is not meant to withstand such conditions, posing threats to all those that drive.

However, with such challenges, citizens of these covered towns have found creative ways to utilize the powder. There have been reports from The Weather Channel of people hitting the slopes, but not on any mountains. The sheer amount of snow allows for townspeople to descend on streets, average hills, and the bravest from apartment building windows.

With viewers from all around the world invested in the snowfall, people are going back and forth on what the appropriate amount of powder is.

Sophomore Hadley Veysey shared, “Anything more than a foot is too much snow in my opinion.” Hearing Veysey’s thoughts, nearby freshman Duncan Wilder contradicted, “There is never enough snow,” bringing the true essence of this debate to our very own school.

Whether the snowfall be six inches or six feet, wintery storms can bring so much accidental joy and immense catastrophe all at the same time. Some in Russia are trapped by the blizzard, resorting to digging for safety, while others click into their skis and utilize the free ski pass. With so many sides to this story, every little piece is as unique as the snowflake that caused it.