1.3.1 Climate change mitigation measures and adaptation strategies for tourism destinations

Since greenhouse gases can linger in the atmosphere for thousands of years after their emission, it is impossible to reverse climate change. Fortunately, there are mitigation measures that may be taken to reduce the impact of the changes that are already occurring, and adaptation measures that may create mechanisms for communities to become more resilient to such changes.

Although mitigation measures result in slow effects in terms of greenhouse gas reduction, they can improve quality of life and minimize the negative effects on ecosystems, by reducing atmospheric pollution and making resources available to the population in a more efficient way. Examples of such measures include the improvement of energy efficiency and a focus on renewable energy rather than fossil fuels, energy-efficient lighting, the promotion of the use of public transport, car sharing, and sustainable mobility (urban bicycle paths, fewer flights and increased train travel), fuel-efficient vehicles, and reforestation/restoration of damaged ecosystems.

Nevertheless, the most substantial measures are those re-directing tourism flows towards low-carbon transport and less distant destinations with extended lengths of stay. Studies reveal that tourist numbers can be increased even in a strong climate policy scenario, while advantages for countries restructuring their markets towards low-carbon market mixes are potentially large (Simpson et. al, 2008). 

On the other hand, climate change adaptation strategies focus on preparing for and adjusting to the current effects of climate change and the predicted future impacts. According to the ACTION project (Module 2 and Module 3), we can distinguish the following adaptation types: 

[a]. Anticipatory or proactive adaptation that takes place before impacts of climate change are observed.

[b]. Autonomous or spontaneous adaptation that is triggered by ecological changes in natural systems and by market or welfare changes in human systems instead of constituting a conscious response to climatic stimuli.

[c]. Planned adaptation, which results from a deliberate policy decision, based on an awareness that conditions have changed, and that action is required to return to, maintain, or achieve a desired state.

It is important to mention that the adoption of adaptation measures can be hampered by several limitations and barriers, including limited knowledge of the nature and magnitude of current and/or future climate risks; legal or regulatory restrictions; the absence of appropriate technologies; the costs of the identified adaptation measures; a lack of capacity and technical skills, etc. Nevertheless, resistance to adapt can be reduced by the analysis of existing barriers, and raising awareness of the risks and consequences of climate change.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) framework provides four guiding principles for adaptation that are highly relevant for tourism (Simpson et. al, 2008):

[a]. Place adaptation in a development context: the process of adaptation in the tourism sector needs to be placed within the broader context of a country’s sustainable development policies and strategies;

[b]. Build on current adaptive experience to cope with future climate variability: a wide range of tourism stakeholders need to be involved in the adaptation process to take full advantage of their diverse experience and expertise with adapting to current climate variability;

[c]. Recognize that adaptation occurs at different levels, at the local level: climate change is not just a challenge for governments, and in the tourism sector, the involvement of the tourism industry is critical, as their operations are and will be affected principally;

[d]. Recognize that adaptation is an ongoing process: adaptation is an iterative process of implementing and evaluating strategies as climate conditions continue to evolve over the course of this century.