Tourism will be a major loser from climate change with destinations and entire sectors in danger of being wiped out.
Dr David Viner of the Climate Research Unit at East Anglia University warned: “The Mediterranean will become unsuitable for tourism.”
Speaking at German trade show ITB in Berlin, he said: “The insurance and investment industries are already aware of the risks. Whole conferences debate what we mean by eco-tourism, but climate change transcends that.”
Summer 2003 gave a taste of what to expect, said Viner, when the heat in Europe broke records and tens of thousands died, mainly in France.
This winter has been so warm it threatens the Alpine ski industry, he said. “The issue for the investment industry will be whether to build ski facilities and infrastructure in the Alps.”
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts an average warming of 2C to 6C this century.
Dr Manfred Stock of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Change Research warned: “There will be major changes even if we restrict warming to the lower range. I see no chance for the Maldives, for example.
“But the difference between 2C and 6C will be huge. With 2C we hope to keep the economic system going. If we exceed 2C this century, it will go beyond any predictions.
United Nations World Tourism Organization secretary-general Francisco Frangialli criticised those in the industry who downplay tourism’s impact: “The scientific evidence is on the table,” he said.
UNWTO assistant secretary-general Geoffrey Lipman added: “I’m confident most serious industry players recognise you can’t pay lip service to this issue.”
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