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The increasing frequency of extreme weather events is disrupting several tourism models, impacting operators, destinations, and travelers globally. Operators are adjusting tours and schedules, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and innovation in sustainable tourism.
In early 2024, the United Nations released research showing that climate change could impact tourism and agricultural production. The world is predicted to face increasing climate disasters, rising food prices, and more extreme weather.
A once-in-a-century heatwave is scorching Southeast Asia.
Although the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) forecasts that El Nino will gradually weaken and diminish from the beginning of 2024, its effects will continue to spread and intensify global temperatures.
Thailand and Cambodia have both issued emergency warnings about the risk of death from the extreme heat, with daytime temperatures peaking at around 46 degrees Celsius. The Philippine capital, Manila, also came under alert after recording a record high of 51 degrees Celsius for the first time.
Singapore was also not immune to the effects, with temperatures soaring to 36-40 degrees Celsius, making life uncomfortable and causing difficulties for residents.
Accordingly, the number of deaths has increased by 14% (approximately 7,000 more per year) due to climate phenomena such as El Niño, the Indian Ocean dipole, and the North Atlantic Oscillation. These extreme weather events cause the concentration of pollutants in the air to rise, leading to more severe impacts.
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), originating from smoke, power plant fires, and forest fires, is considered a major contributing factor to premature deaths. PM2.5 particles are harmful to health when inhaled due to their extremely small size, allowing them to enter the bloodstream and cause breathing difficulties, heart and lung diseases, and other problems. Asia has the highest number of premature deaths due to fine particulate pollution, with over 98 million fatalities, primarily in China (49 million) and India (26.1 million).
Record-breaking heatwave in Southeast Asia raises red alert for the future.
A range of health problems arising from the heatwave are also causing concern among the public. The heatwave not only increases the risk of heart and lung diseases, stroke, and heatstroke, but also creates a risk of heat shock.
Dr. Achara Nithiaphinyasakul, Director-General of the Health Department under the Thai Ministry of Public Health, warned on April 21 that the risk of heatstroke is increasing and prolonged.
People suffering from heatstroke may experience symptoms including a sudden rise in body temperature above 40 degrees Celsius, flushed skin, rapid pulse, headache, dizziness, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. Severe cases of heatstroke can be fatal, according to the Bangkok Post.
Besides affecting human health, the drought caused by El Nino also directly impacts farming and cultivation, driving rice prices to record highs in Indonesia. The climate in 2023, affected by the El Nino phenomenon and a prolonged dry season in many areas, resulted in an 18% decrease in rice production in Indonesia compared to the previous year.
This situation is expected to continue into 2024 as the archipelago prepares to enter the dry season next month.
