Around 80% of all tourism takes place in coastal areas. Unfortunately, these destinations are also some of the most vulnerable to climate change.
As global temperatures warm, this causes seawater to expand and ice sheets to melt. As a result, global sea levels are rising at an increasing rate. These rising sea levels, along with climate-induced extreme weather events are threatening some of the world’s most beautiful coastlines.
As sea levels rise and storms cause waves to crash along the shore, beaches are eroding and even disappearing.On top of this, climate change is worsening the impacts of hurricanes, leading to more intense storm surges and coastal flooding.
Beachside resorts, restaurants, roads, airports, and ports are also in harm’s way. A high percentage of tourism infrastructure is just above sea level. If sea levels rise many resorts and infrastructure like airports would be damaged or destroyed.
Other low-lying island nations such as Tuvalu and the Maldives are facing an even worse fate. As sea levels continue to rise, these destinations could be completely swallowed by the ocean.