Natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and droughts are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, posing significant threats to tourism-dependent regions, especially fragile ecosystems like coastal and mountainous areas.
Recently, Nepal experienced unprecedented flooding in Kathmandu and central regions after continuous rainfall on the 28th and 29th of September. Kathmandu recorded its highest-ever rainfall—over 200 mm in just 24 hours—causing chaos. The country, preparing for its biggest Hindu festival and autumn tourism season, suffered a death toll exceeding 200. In addition, a glacial lake outburst in Thame, attributed to climate change, also captured global attention.
The impact of climate change on disasters
Climate change is intensifying natural disasters in several ways:
- Rising temperatures lead to stronger storms and frequent wildfires.
- Melting glaciers raise sea levels, causing floods and landslides.
- Shifts in weather patterns trigger droughts in some areas and heavy rainfall in others, increasing flood risks.
Tourism destinations in vulnerable areas like coastal regions, islands, and mountains face disruptions in infrastructure, ecosystems, and local economies as a result of these disasters.
What is the role of Responsible Tourism?
Responsible tourism emphasizes minimizing negative impacts on the environment while contributing positively to local economies and cultures. It can mitigate climate change through sustainable practices, such as:
- Reducing Carbon Footprint:
- Eco-friendly Transportation: Encouraging travel by trains or buses over flights and promoting carbon offset programs to reduce emissions.
- Sustainable Accommodation: Eco-lodges, green hotels, and resorts using renewable energy and water conservation systems help minimize environmental impacts.
- Promoting Climate-Resilient Infrastructure:
- Coastal and mountain regions are investing in disaster-resistant infrastructure, such as elevated buildings, improved drainage systems, reforestation, and sustainable water management to reduce risks from flooding and landslides.
- Supporting Local Communities:
- Community-based tourism ensures that local populations benefit directly from tourism while investing in conservation efforts that preserve their environment. This reduces dependency on environmentally degrading activities like deforestation.
- Contributing to Conservation and Reforestation:
- Tourists can participate in activities like tree planting, wildlife conservation, and marine habitat restoration, which counteract climate change by restoring natural buffers (e.g., coral reefs and forests).
- Disaster Preparedness and Recovery:
- Tour operators in disaster-prone areas are focusing on preparedness, educating tourists on safety protocols, investing in early warning systems, and ensuring quick recovery from disasters.
- Post-disaster tourism or voluntourism allows travelers to help rebuild communities affected by natural disasters.
As climate change continues to amplify natural disasters, responsible tourism is essential for fostering sustainable practices that protect both the environment and local communities. By reducing carbon footprints, promoting resilient infrastructure, and supporting local economies and conservation efforts, tourism can play a critical role in addressing climate change while ensuring the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of destinations like Nepal.
