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Climate Environments and Experiences: Contemporary Geographies of Leisure

Fletcher Mitchell

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Published in Tourism And Change In Polar Regions: Climate Environments And Experiences (Contemporary Geographies Of Leisure Tourism And Mobility)

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Climate change and environmental degradation are among the most pressing challenges facing humanity today. These global crises are having a profound impact on all aspects of our lives, including our leisure time. The ways in which we enjoy our leisure time are changing, and the places where we do so are being transformed.

Tourism and Change in Polar Regions: Climate, Environments and Experiences (Contemporary Geographies of Leisure, Tourism and Mobility)

by Jeremy Zenith

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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This article explores the complex and dynamic relationship between climate, environment, and leisure experiences. We will examine the ways in which climate change and environmental degradation are shaping the geographies of leisure, and how leisure activities can contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

Climate Change and the Geographies of Leisure

Climate change is altering the physical and social landscapes in which we live and play. Rising sea levels are threatening coastal communities and infrastructure, while more frequent and intense extreme weather events are disrupting travel and tourism. Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns are affecting the availability of water for recreation and the distribution of plant and animal species.

These changes are having a direct impact on the geographies of leisure. For example, rising sea levels are forcing coastal resorts to relocate or adapt, while more frequent and intense heat waves are making it more difficult to enjoy outdoor activities in many parts of the world.

Climate change is also having an indirect impact on the geographies of leisure. For example, the increasing cost of energy is making it more expensive to travel, while the growing awareness of the environmental impacts of tourism is leading some people to choose to stay closer to home.

Environmental Degradation and the Geographies of Leisure

Environmental degradation is another major threat to the geographies of leisure. Pollution, deforestation, and other forms of environmental damage are degrading the natural resources that we rely on for recreation.

For example, pollution is making it unsafe to swim in many rivers and lakes, while deforestation is reducing the amount of land available for hiking and camping. Environmental degradation is also having a negative impact on the wildlife that we enjoy watching and hunting.

The combined effects of climate change and environmental degradation are creating new challenges for the leisure industry. Businesses and organizations need to adapt to the changing climate and environment, while also finding ways to reduce their own environmental impact.

Leisure Activities and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation

Leisure activities can contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation in a number of ways. For example, walking, cycling, and other forms of active recreation can help to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. Ecotourism and other forms of sustainable tourism can help to protect the environment and support local communities.

Businesses and organizations can also play a role in climate change mitigation and adaptation. For example, they can invest in renewable energy sources, reduce their water consumption, and recycle and compost waste.

By taking these steps, the leisure industry can help to create a more sustainable future for our planet and for ourselves.

Climate change and environmental degradation are having a profound impact on the geographies of leisure. These global crises are challenging the ways in which we enjoy our leisure time, and the places where we do so. However, leisure activities can also contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation. By making sustainable choices, we can help to create a more sustainable future for our planet and for ourselves.

References

Climate Change and Tourism: Responding to Global Challenges, United Nations Environment Programme and World Tourism Organization, 2008.
Environmental Impacts of Tourism, World Tourism Organization, 2012.
Leisure and Climate Change: A Scoping Study, Institute for Leisure and Amenity Management, 2013.
Sustainable Tourism: A Guide for Operators, International Union for Conservation of Nature, 2014.

Tourism and Change in Polar Regions: Climate, Environments and Experiences (Contemporary Geographies of Leisure, Tourism and Mobility)

by Jeremy Zenith

4.4 out of 5