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SU.VO.T..shaping tomorrow’s tourism in SU.VO.T..shaping tomorrow’s tourism in a sustainable mannera sustainable manner
SU.VO.T ConferenceRimini, Italy24 November 2007
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Kirsten WolfrathProject Coordinator, ITC
ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability
Tourism is a vital economic factor
natural resources cultural resources values of tourists
Destinations need to adapt to changing environments:
climate change & behaviour patterns
SU.VO.TSU.VO.T
Scientific evidence urges action:
climate change will impact water resources temperatures
ecosystems & biodiversity agriculture energy production tourism ...
The climate is changing!The climate is changing!
Fourth Assessment Report of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPPC) published February 2007 on science of climate change.
Consensus: most of warming since mid-20th century is due to human activities.
Over the last 200 years, the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere (major gas that causes climate change) has increased by 30%.
This and other gases stop some of the Earth’s radiation from escaping to space (greenhouse effect). Result = Earth warms up, mainly due to burning of coal, gas and oil (human energy needs).
(Role of IPCC: To assess scientific basis of the risk of human-induced climate change, its potential impacts and options
for adaptation and mitigation).
Global warming - a changing climateGlobal warming - a changing climate
Temperature increase: 10 hottest years on record since 1991. Temperatures have risen by 0,6° in the past century. Oceans have warmed down to 3,000 metres. Mountain glaciers and snow cover have declined. Arctic ice cover is shrinking in depth and in extent. Satellites have seen an acceleration in sea level rise (10 - 20 cm during the 20th century). Lengthening of growing seasons.
More extremes in weather patterns and changing precipitation: More intense and longer droughts have been recorded. More intense rainfall. 150 million people affected by floods worldwide (7 million in 60s).
Source: IPCC 2007
What is happening now?What is happening now?
HadRM3H-modelSource: PRUDENCE (Christensen et al, 2002) EU 5FP
City Analogues
Climate change: Climate change: Principal Principal EnvironmentalEnvironmentalProblemsProblems
Probable temperature rise by end of 21st century: 1.8 - 4°C possible: 1.1 and 6.4°C.
Sea levels are likely to rise by 28-43cm (several meters?). Arctic summer sea ice likely to disappear 2nd half of
century. Climate instability and extremes: Very likely that parts of the
world will see an increase in the number of heat-waves; Likely increased intensity of tropical storms.
Changing ecosystems
Tomorrow different from today?Tomorrow different from today?
Tourist resorts may become too hot for summer holidays
- shift to spring & autumn?
Western & Atlantic Europe:more extreme events:storm&floods, dryer hotter summersMountains: summer holidays could become more attractive but
unlikely to compensate for losses of the skiing industry Central Europe increased risk of floods could threaten houses & infrastructure
Northern Europe: longer growing seasons, but maybe new diseases, Baltic Sea
may be affected from algal bloom and pollution
Impact on European RegionsImpact on European Regions
These impacts on resources will significantly affect key economic activities: Tourism
Climate change is non-linearnon-linear in character: non-action today means serious impact later on.
Very limited timeframe in which to act : 13 years13 years (countdown ...) Consider the impact on communities: bio-diversity (fauna and
flora already endangered), citizens, infrastructure, food crops, ... Consider the cost: inaction / delayed action / acting now Cheaper to act nowCheaper to act now - Stern Report.
Time and costTime and cost
Climate change mitigation should remain a priority Energy & water saving and efficiency Renewables: economic consequences - competitive advantage
Set ambitious targets for tourism enterprises & resources use
Urgent need to develop strategies for adaptation to the already
inevitable climate changes: working groups
A successful adaptation strategy needs a common & integrated
approach: Sustainable Tourism management needs to be integrated into
governance & management structures for the sustainability plan of
your city
Time to adaptTime to adapt
Action in diverse areas neededAction in diverse areas needed
Reduce energy & water consumption
Use energy efficiency measures
Change to renewable energy (RE)
Sustainable transport: green fleets, good public transport, support for pedestrians and cyclists.
Reduce and recycle waste
A common & integrated approachA common & integrated approach
TheSustainability
Cycle
(update of…)
Baseline Review
Core document: Sustainability Report
Target Setting
Core document: Sustainability Targets.
Political Commitment
Core document: Council Approval
Implementation & Monitoring
Core document: Sustainability Programme
Evaluation and Reporting
Core document: Evaluation Report
Adaptation can only be achieved in the tourism industry if it becomes more sustainable.
Make sector more resilient to changes in climatic conditions & resources : Implementation of efficient use of resources Diversification of tourism activities (SU.VO.T) increase awareness and foster necessary behavioural change
More intensive co-operation & common action using existing
mechanism:
The Network of Cities for Sustainable Tourism
European Network of regions for a sustainable and competitive tourism ..
More intensive cooperationMore intensive cooperation
International Local Government Association (LGO): Environment Protection and Sustainable Development
More than 600 members in 66 countries, e.g. Berlin, London, Bursa, Barcelona, New York, Buenos Aires, Johannesburg, Delhi, Sydney, Kyoto,…...
Climate Protection, REnergy, Water management, Local Agenda 21, Sustainable Purchasing ...
Lead organisation representing local governments at the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP), e.g. Bali 2007.
ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability
Cities interact withinternational agencies
ConclusionConclusion
The clock is ticking. We can still avoid dangerous climate change, although it is too late for some species.
How much longer will be say ‘Urgent action is needed’, and wait for others to take the lead? Take the lead at local level.
How? Obtain cross-party political consensus to ensure continuity on climate protection priorities and action (develop a short to long-term vision). Link up to networks and actions that address mitigation and adaptation. We offer you: ICLEI and the CCP Campaign.
Decide to do something, plan how to do it, and do it. Now Decide to do something, plan how to do it, and do it. Now would be a good time ...would be a good time ...