Tourism & climate change in North America: regional state of knowledge

Abstract

Climate change will have profound implications for North America’s tourism industry, which is one of the largest tourism markets globally with respect to international tourism arrivals (146 million) and receipts (US$246 billion). This article provides a critical overview of regional tourism and climate change research published in academic journals following the IPCC’s Fifth Assessment Report (AR5). This article highlights the differential climate risks and opportunities by impact type (e.g. temperature, precipitation, extreme weather, sea level rise, ecosystem change) for all available market segments (e.g. winter sports, beach, parks, and fishing). A synthesis of studies that estimate sectoral carbon emissions and the risk of not transitioning to a net-zero future are also explored, including an overview of national climate policies and decarbonization strategies. Key knowledge gaps are underscored, with research priorities offered to help advance climate action within North America’s tourism sector.