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Climate change is already reshaping our planet in ways that are impossible to ignore. From rising sea levels that threaten to submerge entire island nations to unpredictable weather patterns disrupting travel seasons, the futures of many of our beloved holiday destinations are in danger. And it's not just the natural landscapes that are at risk, the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on tourism for income are also under threat.
So, why is climate change dramatically altering the tourism landscape? What are the destinations that face the highest risk? And, importantly, what can we do to preserve these stunning locations for years to come?
When selecting our next holiday destination, we often look for destinations that offer a break from the chaos of everyday life. From tropical islands to high-altitude mountain retreats, these locations are often in ecologically sensitive regions that depend on a delicate balance of weather, seasons, and natural resources. Climate change, however, is upending this balance, placing many of our favourite holiday spots at risk.
But why is climate change such a significant threat to these destinations? What is it about the connection between tourism and the environment that makes them particularly vulnerable? Let’s take a deeper look at the key factors that increase the exposure of holiday destinations to the impacts of a warming planet.
Tourism and the environment are often closely linked. Many of the world’s most popular destinations — whether it’s the tropical beaches of the Caribbean, Patagonia’s glaciers, or the mountains of the Alps — owe their appeal to specific natural features. These destinations rely heavily on unspoiled landscapes, rich biodiversity, and consistent seasonal patterns to draw visitors. With climate change altering weather patterns and threatening ecosystems, the very foundation that supports these destinations is beginning to erode.
What's more is that the infrastructure that supports tourism, such as hotels, resorts, and transportation systems, is often designed with the assumption that the environment will remain relatively stable. As these environmental changes become more frequent and severe, the cost to local economies — particularly those reliant on tourism — becomes higher, putting both the natural and economic landscapes in jeopardy.
While every region faces challenges from climate change, tourist destinations are often the first to feel the pressure. The rapid pace of climate change is forcing ecosystems and communities to adapt far more quickly than they ever have before. Unfortunately, for many of these destinations, this speed of change is far outpacing the ability of local communities to respond.
For example, while many tourism hubs have invested in sustainable development and environmental protection measures, such as eco-friendly accommodation and nature conservation programs, these initiatives can be easily undermined by the overwhelming force of climate-related disasters. Increasing temperatures, rising sea levels, more intense storms, and the loss of biodiversity often cannot be mitigated by human intervention alone.
For destinations like ski resorts, beach resorts, and national parks, climate stability is key to maintaining a reliable flow of tourists throughout the year. A sudden shift in temperatures or changes in rainfall patterns can drastically alter the conditions necessary for a destination to thrive. Ski resorts in the Alps, for example, rely on cold winters for snow, but warmer temperatures have already shortened the ski season, resulting in financial loss for both the industry and the local economy. Similarly, tropical islands depend on warm, dry weather to attract visitors, but rising sea levels and storm surges now threaten to reduce their appeal.
Destinations that once had predictability in their weather now face extreme volatility. This disrupts not only travel plans but also undermines the sustainability of tourism, as travelers may begin to reconsider visiting regions that no longer offer reliable or familiar experiences.
For many of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, the tourism industry is integral to local livelihoods. As the environment changes, these communities face both environmental and economic pressures. The destruction of coral reefs, the erosion of beaches, or the damage caused by extreme weather events not only harms the environment but also disrupts the local economy.
Island nations and coastal cities, in particular, rely heavily on tourism revenues, which can make them less resilient to climate-related impacts. When natural disasters or slow-moving threats like sea-level rise affect these areas, the knock-on effects ripple through the economy. Local businesses, from restaurants and shops to hotels and tour operators, may suffer financially, creating additional hardships for people who depend on the tourist influx.
Destinations that once provided us with refuge from the ordinary are facing the extraordinary challenges of a changing climate. Understanding the unique vulnerabilities of holiday destinations is the first step toward safeguarding them. The next section will explore in greater detail how specific destinations, from island paradises to mountain retreats, are already feeling the impacts and what this means for their futures.
It’s the depths of winter. You get up in the dark, and by the time you get home from work, it’s already dark again - it feels like you’ve not seen the sun in months. And don’t even mention the terrible weather - rain, wind, and freezing cold on repeat. Sound familiar?
So perhaps you’ve booked yourself a little respite with a much-anticipated holiday on a beautiful tropical island. You’re already picturing the turquoise water, the sand between your toes, and the feel of the warm sun on your skin.
But thanks to climate change, these beautiful coastal and island destinations are increasingly under threat, and their futures now hang in the balance. Let’s take a closer look at the impacts of global warming on island and coastal destinations, backed by data and real-world examples.
Take the Maldives, for example. With an average elevation of just 1.3 meters above sea level, the risk of being submerged is very real. But it's not just the Maldives. Kiribati and the Marshall Islands in the Pacific are already feeling the effects of rising sea levels, with significant land loss forcing some of their populations to relocate.
On top of rising sea levels, stronger tropical storms are intensifying the problem. Hurricane Irma in 2017 devastated parts of the Caribbean, eroding beaches and leaving thousands of residents displaced.
For places that rely heavily on tourism, these changes are having a direct impact, making once-popular destinations less appealing to travelers.
What is being done to protect beaches and coastlines?
Coral reefs, which support vibrant marine life and attract millions of tourists each year, are under threat due to rising ocean temperatures.
But it's not just warmer temperatures. Ocean acidification, caused by CO2 emissions, is weakening coral skeletons, making them even more vulnerable. The Caribbean, heavily reliant on its coral reefs for tourism, has lost half of its reefs over the past 40 years, affecting both the environment and the local economy.
What can be done to preserve coral reefs?
Water scarcity is becoming a major issue for many island nations, especially small island developing states (SIDS), which are vulnerable to water shortages. Islands like Barbados, Malta, and the Bahamas rely on rainwater harvesting and groundwater reserves, but these are increasingly unreliable due to changing rainfall patterns and rising temperatures. In Barbados, droughts have become more frequent, leading to water rationing during peak tourist seasons.
How can we bolster water supplies?
If you’re someone who loves the crisp mountain air and the thrill of skiing down fresh powder, then you may have already noticed something worrying: the winter wonderland you’ve come to cherish is shrinking.
Global warming is impacting even the most iconic winter destinations. As temperatures rise, ski seasons are getting shorter, and resorts that rely on consistent snowfall are finding themselves in a difficult position.
This isn’t just an issue for the high-altitude areas. In the Rocky Mountains - especially in Colorado - shorter snow seasons and reduced snowfall are impacting local businesses that thrive on winter tourism. The decreased snowfall and milder temperatures are leading to fewer visitors, and ski resorts are feeling the financial pinch.
In the Southern Hemisphere, too, destinations like Patagonia in Argentina are experiencing a similar shift. Snow-capped mountains and glaciers that once drew visitors from all around the world are gradually disappearing, with icebergs breaking off and disappearing into the ocean.
With the changing landscape, we’re faced with the reality that prospect that the ski seasons we once enjoyed may no longer be the same in the near future.
What is being done to protect ski resorts and mountain locations?
Increasing temperatures and prolonged drought conditions are making wildfires more frequent and intense, threatening nature-based destinations around the world. Regions that rely on natural beauty, like California, Australia, and Canada, are facing significant environmental and economic risks.
And they're not alone; many other countries are also feeling the effects. The increasing frequency of these fires is driving up costs for local economies that depend on eco-tourism, putting the survival of these ecosystems and the livelihoods tied to them in jeopardy.
How can we protect these ecosystems from climate change?
New Orleans, a city already vulnerable to tropical cyclones and hurricanes, is facing rising sea levels and land subsidence, putting its historic French Quarter and other landmarks at risk. Parts of the city are sinking by up to 2 inches per year, making it harder to protect against future storms.
Meanwhile, Bangkok is sinking rapidly due to groundwater extraction. According to the World Bank, up to 40% of the city could be flooded by 2030 due to rising sea levels and monsoon flooding.
In addition to these cities, numerous archaeological sites and ancient monuments around the world are also being damaged. Extreme weather events, like floods, droughts, and desertification, are accelerating the decay of these irreplaceable structures. This not only harms tourism but also threatens to erase the cultural heritage of many regions.
Here is what's been done to protect these cities and cultural sites:
The Maldives are a dream holiday destination for many people. These paradise islands are tucked away in the middle of the Indian Ocean and offer an escape from all the worries and stresses of everyday life. However, this paradise is under threat from climate change.
Made up of a series of atolls (ring-shaped islands that are made from coral), the islands of the Maldives are some of the lowest-lying islands in the world. With an average of only 1.3 metres above sea level, these beautiful islands are at risk of being completely submerged by rising waters.
In fact, in many of the luxury resorts dotted around the islands, it's already possible to see the effects, with sections of otherwise picture-perfect beaches eroding into the sea. Guests might notice the sandbags and concrete protectors installed to try and prevent their decline.
Here are some of the key ways climate change is already affecting the Maldives:
Venice’s timeless canals and historic architecture have long attracted tourists, but rising sea levels are putting the city at risk. As a low-lying city, Venice is increasingly vulnerable to flooding, particularly in the winter months.
Over the past century, Venice’s average sea level has risen by more than 30cm, worsening the frequency and severity of tidal flooding. The iconic Piazza San Marco, once a symbol of Venice’s charm, has been repeatedly submerged.
While projects like MOSE, a floodgate system, are in place to help mitigate the impact, Venice continues to face growing threats. The city is fighting to preserve its cultural heritage, but urgent adaptation measures are needed to safeguard it for future generations.
These are some of the key climate-related challenges Venice is currently facing:
Australia’s natural beauty, from its beaches to the Great Barrier Reef, faces growing climate challenges. The reef, which draws millions of visitors, is experiencing more frequent bleaching events, with recent research showing that over 90% of coral was affected during the 2022 bleaching. The country’s bushfire seasons have also become more intense, with devastating wildfires that threaten both nature and infrastructure.
Coastal erosion and rising sea levels further jeopardize Australia’s beaches, which are a major tourist draw. In response, Australia is focusing on reef restoration projects and improving bushfire management. But the ongoing impact of climate change requires continued action and resilience-building to protect its landscapes.
These are some of the most pressing climate impacts currently affecting Australia:
Brazil is home to the Amazon Rainforest, a biodiversity hotspot that attracts nature lovers. But rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and deforestation are threatening this vital ecosystem. The forest is more vulnerable to wildfires, which have been increasingly frequent, exacerbated by climate change.
In coastal cities like Rio de Janeiro, rising sea levels are encroaching on beaches and infrastructure. The country is working on sustainable agriculture and reforestation efforts to protect the Amazon, but urgent action is needed to ensure the survival of its unique natural resources and tourism industry.
Here are some of the critical ways climate change is affecting Brazil and the Amazon rainforest:
The Caribbean, known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful beaches, is facing the growing threat of climate change. Rising sea levels are encroaching on islands' coastlines, while stronger hurricanes are causing more frequent damage to infrastructure, homes, and natural landscapes.
Many of the region’s most popular tourist destinations are at risk, with beaches eroding and local ecosystems, like coral reefs, under stress. As a region heavily reliant on tourism, the impacts of climate change pose a significant threat not only to the environment but also to the livelihoods of local communities.
Here are some of the major ways climate change is already threatening the Caribbean isands:
Coastal destinations at risk
Rising sea levels and storm surges threaten US coastal hotspots like Florida, Louisiana, and parts of California, leading to beach erosion, flooding, and infrastructure damage.
Altered visitor patterns
Extreme heat and wildfires are shifting tourism trends. Visitors are avoiding destinations during peak summer months and opting for cooler or less fire-prone areas.
Economic implications
Climate-related disasters like hurricanes and wildfires are damaging tourism infrastructure, increasing recovery costs, and threatening the long-term economic viability of travel-dependent communities.
A crucial step in tackling climate change is our collective commitment to reducing global emissions. The Paris Agreement remains central to this effort, with countries aiming to limit global temperature increases to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This requires significant cuts in greenhouse gas emissions and a shift toward low-carbon economies.
At the same time, initiatives like the Green Climate Fund (GCF) are providing financial support to vulnerable nations, particularly island nations and coastal cities, to help them adapt to rising sea levels and extreme weather.
However, adaptation efforts alone won’t be enough to save the world’s iconic destinations. Effective climate action must include both mitigation and adaptation measures, which brings us to the role of sustainable tourism.
Tourism is one of the largest industries globally, accounting for approximately 6.5% of global emissions in 2023. As climate-conscious travelers, it's our responsibility to support eco-tourism and adopt responsible travel practices. This includes minimising our carbon footprint by choosing low-impact transportation options and staying at eco-friendly accommodations.
Many travel organizations and governments are prioritizing sustainability in their tourism sectors. For example, Intrepid Travel has pledged to cut its emissions in half by 2030, encouraging travelers to use trains instead of flights and stay at eco-conscious hotels.
While global frameworks and shifts in travel behaviors are essential, local, on-the-ground solutions are just as critical in protecting the most vulnerable destinations. Below are examples of adaptation measures already being implemented:
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