Global warming awareness in 2007 is becoming an issue in the travel industry.
We’ve already blogged about how the impact of global warming is affecting the budget airline industry, but now the £64 billion ski tourism industry is in danger as the climate warms. According to a report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) the europe’s ski industry will disappear within 45 years due to the affect of climate change. An astonishing 75% of europe’s glaciers will disappear with half a century leading to increased flooding and risk of avalanches.
As the report was released, Germany was facing unseasonally warm weather, which closed some ski resorts due to a lack of snow. At the same time, 40,000 seasonal workers in France were unable to work because of the unusually high winter temperatures. Parts of Italy were at 16C; very mild temperatures for the time of year.
Global warming awareness is increasing in 2007, but the loss of the chance of a skiing holiday in Europe will suprise many of the 80 million people who usually enjoy a winter holiday in Europe. Ski resorts below 1500 meters are being hit the hardest after an unusually warm Christmas.
According to the OECD, the German ski industry will be the first to disappear, followed by Austria and later France. In Austria winter holidays account for around 4.5% of the annual economy. In Switzerland banks are already refusing to grant loans to companies in the ski industry with pistes below 1500m.
As predicted by the Stern report, global warning will have an impact on world finances in a way that no one could have anticipated even 10 years ago.
