Tourism and Climate Change
Today on Earthbeat - we investigate the effects that global warming is already having have on the world's massive tourism industry. While islands begin to disappear and coastlines erode, a macabre type of tourist is emerging - people burning through thousands of gallons of jet fuel - just to be the last to see disappearing places. Joining host Mike Tidwell in the studios is Jonathan Tourtellot. He's the director of the National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations and the geotourism editor for National Geographic Traveler magazine. Joining the conversation from his office in Ann Arbor, Michigan is Will Weber, the director of the adventure travel outfitter, Journeys International.
One group that is combining direct political action with their love of America's playgrounds is the National Parks Conservation Agency. Their director of Clean Air Programs, Mark Wenzler, discusses their recent report: Unnatural Disaster.
If you'd like to hear this edition of Earthbeat - please send us an e-mail
Image used courtesy of suntoksabwan.
Music used in this edition of Earthbeat: Travelin' Man by DJ Honda & Mos Def. Umi Says by Mos Def, Zero 7 remix.
Our theme music is Baladi by Tony Anka, Bellydance Superstars vol. 2.
Comments
It's true, the travel industry SHOULD do more to mitigate the effects of global warming, instead of just contributing to it. Thanks for raising some uncomfortable questions.
You might want to look at NatGeo Traveler's "Destination Scorecard" surveys, which pick some of the most popular national parks and World Heritage sites and rate them on stewardship and sustainability: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/features/placesrated.index.html
Posted by: Marilyn Terrell | July 26, 2007 12:50 PM