Climate change threatens beach tourism

Abstract

Climate change threatens beach tourism Beaches evoke an emotion known to improve physical and mental well-being and have become a primary destination for leisure, relaxation and recreation, notes Researcher David Cabana from the Climate Service Center Germany (GERICS). However, he highlights, coastal and beach tourism goes beyond mere sunbathing and relaxation – it is quickly becoming an increasing concern for extreme climate change and erosion through rising seawater levels. Looking at the climate change threats to beaches and tourism-related activities, the Climate Services Center Germany (GERICS) in cooperation with the Blue Flag programme of the Foundation for Environmental Education aims to co-develop climate services and indicators to enable the application of climate change information into beach management and decision-making. The goal of the GERICS - Blue Flag programme collaboration is to enable the incorporation of usable and useful climate change information into municipal coastal decision-making such as in the Blue Flag assessment criteria to ensure that operators are prepared to adapt to climatic changes. This will also support the Blue Flag programme continues to recognize and award beaches and marinas that are not only environmentally sound but also resilient in the face of climate change.