In this paper, the scientific background of the greenhouse effect, which is decisive for climate change, is presented. Furthermore, tourism and its importance as an economic factor is reported. As an exemplary study of the interaction between climate change and tourism, those will be explained using two areas that are particularly sensitive: the Maldives archipelago and the Alpine region. For each of these two examples, the initial situation, the problem, is explained and subsequently possible solutions or solution approaches are presented and critically questioned. Due to the business context, little attention is paid to political or ethical issues.
In 2019 there was almost no other global issue as present and polarising as climate change. Starting with many movements, such as "Fridays for Future", the public was increasingly made aware of the topic. The topic has also become increasingly relevant politically. As early with the 2015 UN Climate Conference, important points were set to reduce global warming. Many areas and economic sectors are already affected by climate change and many will con-tinue to feel the effects of climate change in the future.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Climate Change and Greenhouse Effect
2.1 The Greenhouse Effect – Scientific Background
2.2 The Anthropogenic Greenhouse Effect
2.3 Consequences of the Greenhouse Effect
3 The Impacts of Tourism
3.1 Economic Impacts
3.2 Overtourism
4 The Impacts of Climate Change on Tourism and vice versa
4.1 Maldives
4.1.1 The Problem
4.1.2 Possible Solutions
4.2 The Alps
4.2.1 The Problem
4.2.2 Possible Solutions
5 Conclusion
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This paper examines the reciprocal relationship between global climate change and the tourism sector, focusing on how environmental shifts affect tourism demand and infrastructure, while simultaneously analyzing the industry's contribution to climate change. The study utilizes the Maldives and the Alpine region as case studies to assess site-specific vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies.
- Scientific foundations of the greenhouse effect and anthropogenic climate change.
- Economic significance of global tourism and the challenges posed by overtourism.
- Climate-related threats to the Maldives, specifically sea-level rise and coastal erosion.
- Impacts of declining snow cover on the Alpine winter tourism economy.
- Evaluation of adaptation measures, including artificial snowmaking and land reclamation.
Excerpt from the Book
4.1.1 The Problem
The Maldives are extremely vulnerable to climate change, because of its geographic and geophysical characteristics. Damages caused by rainfall flooding and ocean induced flooding are very likeable, due to the small size, low elevation, narrow width, and dispersed nature of coral islands and reefs of the country. These circumstances pose some dangers: Many buildings and settlements are in close proximity to the coast, such as critical infrastructure, like power plants, landfills, hospitals and airports (70% of these buildings are located 100m from the coast), as well as human settlements (50% of these buildings are located 100m from the coast).
Correspondingly, it is extremely worrying that the most important economic sector of the Maldives is severely threatened by climate change and its impacts: “Ninety percent of all resort infrastructure and 99% of all tourist accommodation is within 100 m of the coastline.” (Sovacool, 2012) This means that many resorts and accommodations may soon be left out due to sea level rise and coastal erosion. 85% of the Maldives could be underwater by the year 2100. (Sovacool, 2012)
In addition, many tourists visit the Maldives for diving. As many corals bleach more and more and acidification of the oceans takes place, diving for the tourists might soon be unattractive, which could be another disadvantage for the tourism. Due to the contamination and over-acidification of water, the drinking water on the islands could soon become scarce. Furthermore, there is very little farmland in the Maldives, which is why the food supply is largely done by boats. Also this supply could be endangered by the increasing storms and floods. (Sovacool, 2012)
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: This chapter introduces the global relevance of climate change and outlines the scope of the paper, focusing on the Maldives and the Alps as examples of tourism-dependent regions facing climate threats.
2 Climate Change and Greenhouse Effect: This section provides the scientific basis of the greenhouse effect and differentiates between natural processes and the anthropogenic causes of global warming.
3 The Impacts of Tourism: This chapter explores the economic importance of the global tourism industry while addressing the negative side effects of overtourism and the sector's carbon footprint.
4 The Impacts of Climate Change on Tourism and vice versa: This chapter serves as the core analysis, examining the specific vulnerabilities of the Maldives and the Alps, and evaluating various adaptation strategies.
5 Conclusion: The final section synthesizes findings, emphasizing the need for global collective action and the critical importance of adaptation strategies for regions highly dependent on the tourism sector.
Keywords
Climate Change, Tourism, Greenhouse Effect, Maldives, Alpine Region, Sea Level Rise, Overtourism, Carbon Footprint, Adaptation, Sustainability, Economic Impact, Environmental Protection, Artificial Snowmaking, Coral Reefs, Fossil Fuels
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper examines the interaction between climate change and the tourism industry, specifically how environmental damage threatens tourist regions and how tourism activities, in turn, contribute to climate change.
Which regions are used as case studies?
The Maldives represent an example of island vulnerability to sea-level rise, while the Alpine region serves as an example for the impact of declining snowfall on winter tourism.
What is the central research question?
The study aims to establish a clear connection between climate change and tourism, illustrate this link with specific regional examples, and assess the potential long-term effects on consumers and local economies.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The work utilizes a descriptive, case-study-based approach, analyzing existing scientific literature and data to explain physical phenomena and their economic consequences.
What is discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the scientific background of the greenhouse effect, the economic significance of tourism, and detailed investigations into the problems and potential solutions for the Maldives and the Alps.
Which keywords define this study?
Key terms include climate change, tourism, Maldives, Alps, sea-level rise, carbon footprint, sustainability, and economic impact.
How does tourism contribute to the degradation of the Maldives?
The paper highlights that high tourism demand leads to deforestation, destruction of coral reefs due to infrastructure construction, and water pollution, which in turn reduces the islands' natural protection against flooding.
What are the economic risks for the Alpine region?
The main risks are the decline of winter tourism due to lack of snow, which threatens jobs not only in the cable car sector but also in hotels, restaurants, and secondary services.
What is the criticism regarding artificial snowmaking?
Artificial snowmaking is criticized for its high water and energy consumption, considerable investment costs, and the resulting ecological impact on nature and the landscape.
- Citar trabajo
- Nathalie Martin (Autor), 2020, Climate Change and Tourism, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/540398
