Climate Resilience
Climate change is having a profound impact on tourism destinations around the world. Sea level rise is threatening low-lying islands and coastal areas. Warming oceans are bleaching coral reefs. And shorter, warmer winters are impacting snowfall at ski resorts.
Extreme weather, including hurricanes, heat waves, and wildfires, is also disrupting travel plans and infrastructure. And heat-related illnesses, including emerging infectious diseases, are increasing health risks for travelers
We help destinations strengthen their climate resilience through adaptive strategies that ensure long-term sustainability and success.
Need support with climate planning or research? Connect with us to explore how we can support your destination.
INSIGHT-DRIVEN CLIMATE SOLUTIONS
Our research is fundamental to the development of mitigation strategies, which help destinations reduce their exposure to climate change risk, and adaptation strategies, which help destinations adapt to the inevitable changes and become more resilient in the face of climate impacts. Beyond initial assessments, we also provide ongoing monitoring and reporting support.
State of Jamaica Climate (SOJC) Report
- Learn more
Working with the island nation of Jamaica, the GW International Institute of Tourism Studies helped evaluate the impact of climate change, starting with the State of Jamaica Climate (SOJC) Report 2019. Our team supported faculty and students at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus (UWI-Mona) helping them to evaluate the impacts of climate change on Jamaica’s economy, people, and way of life.
The report provides background information on climatology, observed variability, trends, climate projections, sector impacts, and climate tools and resources.
Jamaica Vulnerability Risk Assessment And Climate Adaptation Plan
- Learn more
The GW International Institute of Tourism Studies led the technical team responsible for leading the tourism sector work. This included conducting a Vulnerability Risk Assessment for Jamaica’s tourism sector and the development of a Climate Adaptation Plan for the tourism sector.
OUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Rising sea levels, coral reef bleaching, and more frequent, intense hurricanes are making tourism planning increasingly complex, especially for coastal destinations already feeling the impacts of climate change. Our new climate course is designed specifically for destination managers and tourism businesses along coastlines, where adaptation is no longer optional, but essential.
The course provides practical tools and strategies to help destinations and businesses respond to current climate challenges and build resilience for the future.
Climate Adaptation & Resilience for Coastal Destinations
Learn how to build climate resilience and adapt to the impacts of climate change in coastal tourism destinations. This specialized course for tourism professionals consists of three sessions and is designed to equip participants with a foundational understanding of climate resilience and adaptation. Participants will explore key concepts and frameworks, explore case studies of successful adaptation plans, and learn practical steps for understanding exposure and assessing vulnerability and risk.