Rush up to see glaciers which can disappear soon! This seems to be the current trend amongst avid travellers who are not missing out any chance to visit places with glaciers.
Basically, climate change has given rise to this new trend in travel known as “Last Chance Tourism,” where tourists rush to visit destinations which are at risk of disappearing due to environmental changes. One of the primary attractions in this trend is the world’s rapidly melting glaciers.
According to a survey, the number of tourists visiting glaciers has seen a staggering 17-fold increase over the past 18 years. In 1998, around 210,000 tourists visited these fragile ecosystems, but by 2016, that number had soared to 3.84 million.
One of the most famous cities now under threat is Venice, Italy, which is grappling with rising sea levels. Venice has become a key destination in Last Chance Tourism. In 2023, the city welcomed 5.7 million tourists, an increase of 119.19% compared to the previous year. The spike in visitors is due to concerns that the city may soon be submerged, making it a prime location for tourists wanting to see it before it’s too late.
Global Attractions Under Threat
The trend of Last Chance Tourism extends beyond Europe. According to a 2017 survey, 69% of tourists visiting Australia’s Great Barrier Reef are driven by the desire to see the world’s largest coral reef before its potential demise due to coral bleaching and rising ocean temperatures.
Ladakh
In India, Ladakh has emerged as a favorite destination for Last Chance Tourism. This high-altitude region is home to some of the world’s most significant glaciers, including the Siachen Glacier, the second-largest glacier outside the polar regions and the largest in the Himalayas. Every year, 6-7 lakh tourists visit Ladakh, many of them eager to witness these glaciers before climate change takes its toll. Additionally, the elusive snow leopard, found in Ladakh’s rugged terrain, attracts thousands of wildlife enthusiasts from around the globe.
Environmental Impact of Tourism
While Last Chance Tourism might offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience, experts warn of its detrimental impact. These sensitive environments, already vulnerable to climate change, are struggling to cope with the surge in human activity. The recent collapse of an ice cave in Iceland, which tragically killed an American tourist, serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with this type of tourism.
India’s Ladakh region faces similar challenges. The delicate ecosystem of this region cannot withstand the increasing influx of visitors. The pressure of tourism, combined with the fragility of these environments, raises concerns about potential accidents and irreversible damage.
The Carbon Footprint of Tourism
Tourism contributes to 8% of global carbon emissions, and the situation is expected to worsen. Projections indicate that by 2030, carbon emissions from tourism will increase by 25%, rising from 15,970 million tons in 2016 to 19,980 million tons. Additionally, around 8 million tons of plastic waste generated by tourism end up in the oceans each year.
Summing Up
As climate change continues to affect some of the world’s most iconic and fragile destinations, Last Chance Tourism is gaining momentum. While these once-in-a-lifetime trips offer an opportunity to witness natural wonders before they disappear, the unintended consequences of mass tourism pose a serious threat to the very ecosystems visitors seek to experience. The challenge moving forward will be finding a balance between satisfying tourists’ desires and preserving these irreplaceable environments for future generations.