Recreation and Tourism

Like any industry, the tourism industry will experience benefits and some problems as climate warms. Since coastal tourism accounts for a large contribution to the GNP of many countries, changes will provide challenges and opportunities. Many areas previously with limited tourism windows due to extremes of weather or difficulty in safe transit may become more accessible. The unique sites that attract tourist in such areas, including forbidding ice flows and the biota may be greatly reduced due to habitat loss and rising temperature. Coastal areas noted for scenic beauty but too chilly for any but the hardiest to swim may become new ocean swim and beach bathing sites as regional weather patterns turn warmer. Coastal attractions in more moderate climates may be less attractive because of temperature extremes, erosion, and storm frequency and damage. Viewing the impacts of climate change may become its own ecotourism as coastal changes and shifts in animal assemblages vary the scape of the land and sea margins. Beaches and valuable coastal habitat may be lost, pushed back into seawalls, roads, and other infrastructure. Communities in many regions are already having to weigh the costs of beach renourishment efforts against loss of tourism attractions and economies. Coastal cities with historic areas and roads located at or below sea level may lose their main attractions to inundation or be faced with extensive armoring and elevated roadway expenditures. While the attractions may change, coastal tourism will continue to be a large portion of many nations' economies.

 

Communities will need to consider the potential impacts and the planning that might moderate the effects of climate change on their tourism draw. Replacement of aging infrastructure away from the coast and to areas of increased elevation ensure the ability of local inhabitants and visitors to move freely in and out of the area and enjoy amenities. Planning for habitat protection from erosion and pollution will also be important to communities dependent upon sports fisheries and ecotourism. More accurate weather warning capabilities will also be incumbent in attracting future tourism.