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Which cities are the most vulnerable to climate change and how is it affecting their tourism industry?

Aliyah McKeurton

Climate change is a global phenomena that affects every corner of the world, however, there are certain cities that are more vulnerable than others. According to the Global Climate Risk Index, the top five most vulnerable cities to climate change are Dhaka (Bangladesh), Manila (Philippines), Jakarta (Indonesia), Kolkata (India) and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam). These cities face several challenges that range from increasing sea levels, extreme weather conditions, droughts, floods, and landslides, among others.

These environmental changes have significant impacts on the tourism industry of the affected cities. With rising temperatures and changes in weather patterns comes a shift in tourist behaviors. Travelers adjust their choices based on the weather patterns and often avoid destinations that are prone to extreme weather changes. Coastal towns and islands, especially those that rely on beaches, face significant risks from rising sea levels, destruction of ecosystems, and loss of infrastructure. The result can be a decrease in tourist activities, fewer bookings, and reduced income for individuals and enterprises that rely on tourism.

For example, in the Philippines, tourism contributes to over 12 percent of the country’s GDP and is one of the most significant revenue streams. However, the country is prone to many natural disasters due to climate change, including typhoons, landslides, and floods. These natural disasters have a direct impact on the tourism industry, as tourists avoid the region during peak storm periods. It leads to cancellations of bookings, closure of resorts and restaurants, and damages to tourism infrastructures such as roads, bridges, and airports. Such impacts can be long-lasting and damage the country's reputation as a tourist destination.

In conclusion, climate change is posing a significant threat to the most vulnerable cities and their tourism industries. The increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters, extreme weather conditions, rising sea levels, and other environmental challenges are taking a toll on the economies of these places. It is crucial that city authorities and the tourism industry take active steps to mitigate the impacts of climate change on their destinations, and promote sustainable tourism practices that are in harmony with nature. Governments and the private sector must work together to reduce carbon emissions, adapt to changes in weather patterns, and build resilience to the effects of climate change. Only by working together, can we ensure that not only the most vulnerable cities, but all tourist destinations, can remain attractive, and continue to benefit from the economic benefits of tourism.