07 Apr 08

Australia is one of the holiday destinations most vulnerable to climate change impacts.

A report on the effect of climate change on tourism says the countries that are likely to be hardest hit have ‘poor’ information about the implications.

The report was jointly developed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Oxford University, the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

Certain regions and destinations are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, because tourism is so vital to their economy, and because the impacts from climate change are especially significant. It says the destinations most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change over the next few decades are the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, islands in the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, Australia and New Zealand.

The report ‘Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in the Tourism Sector’ will be launched in Oxford on Tuesday 8 April at a seminar and workshop for government officials from Tourism and Environment Ministries worldwide, organised jointly by UNEP, Oxford University, UNWTO and WMO.

Dr Murray Simpson from Oxford University’s Centre for the Environment, lead author of the report and director of the seminar, said: ‘Tourism is both a victim and a contributor to climate change. One of the greatest concerns is that some of the most acute impacts, environmental and socio-economic, are being experienced in developing countries and small island developing states, affecting the livelihoods of already impoverished communities. We have a responsibility to assist in building capacity in these destinations to meet the threats and opportunities presented by climate change. Although the publication has been developed for developing countries and small island developing states, the frameworks, tools, practices and process can be equally relevant to developed nations such as the UK.’

The report outlines the environmental, social and economic impacts of climate change. It also gives advice and case studies on ways that destinations can adapt. For example, ski resorts can provide ‘four season’ attractions that do not rely on snow; new hotel developments should be set back from the coast if there is the potential of coastal erosion; water shortages could be tackled with new dams or water recycling systems; improved management of coastal zones can reduce the long term effects of coral bleaching events.

The publication also discusses how the tourism sector can reduce its environmental impact, and explores the current trend to become ‘carbon neutral’. New Zealand, Norway and Sri Lanka have stated their aim to be ‘carbon-neutral’: defined as being energy efficient, replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources, and compensating on carbon emissions with projects saving emissions elsewhere.

Dr Simpson stresses that tourism is a vulnerable and highly climate-sensitive economic sector and needs ‘mainstreaming’ so it is given the same priority as sectors like agriculture, energy and transport. The report points out that long haul destinations, which are likely to be affected by mitigation policies, are often in developing countries with economies that are heavily dependent on tourism. The spread of disease like malaria or dengue fever, or the risk of social unrest and unstable food security are other possible impacts of climate change for destinations in developing countries. The report warns the tourism sector that increased operating costs are likely in the event of extreme weather events, to repair infrastructure damage, cover insurance costs, and provide emergency back up systems for water and energy.

Among its recommendations, the reports says the tourism sector should: engage more with other tourism stakeholders and other sectors at local, national and international levels to share information and ideas; identify current and future risks; assess what adaptations can be made, using other case studies coupled with consultation with national and international experts; and monitor strategies adopted and feed data and experience back to other stakeholders. It points out that tourism firms, airlines and tourists themselves have a major role to play in adaptation and mitigation.