Climate change risk to tourism

QUEENSLAND could be deemed “unfavourable” for tourism – with extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, storms and bushfires, predicted to affect the viability of the state’s tourism industry.

The UN has identified Australia as one of five tourism hotspots vulnerable to climate change. The nation’s top attractions, including beaches, wildlife, the Great Barrier Reef and national parks, could be at risk.

The Climate Council will today reveal the extent of the threat to Australia’s tourism industry from climate change, warning that northern states are at highest risk.

Analysis for the UN found Australian tourism was particularly vulnerable due to hotter summers, warmer winters, water scarcity, marine biodiversity loss, sea level rise, an increase in disease outbreaks and an increase in extreme weather events.

“Analysis indicated that … much of Queensland, including key access points to the Great Barrier Reef, such as Cairns and Townsville, could become inhospitable during substantial parts of the year.

“Brisbane and the Gold Coast are also projected to suffer substantial declines in climate attractiveness during the high season.”