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Recently, scientists have repeatedly warned about the link between human-induced climate change and the increase in intense and frequent heatwaves. This year's El Niño phenomenon has further exacerbated this situation, making Asia the most severely affected region with record-high temperatures.
Greenhouse gas emissions from humans, such as CO2, CH4, and N2O, trap heat in the atmosphere, causing the Earth to warm. This leads to higher average temperatures, creating conditions for more frequent and intense heatwaves.
Many tourist destinations in Asia are experiencing rising temperatures, making travel difficult for tourists.
According to the UN's 2024 State of the Climate in Asia report, Asia has warmed faster than the global average and remains the world's most disaster-prone region due to hazards such as floods, storms, and extreme heatwaves.
The closure of Pling Island in Thailand is a prime example of the negative impact of climate change, particularly intense heatwaves, on tourism and the marine environment. The heatwaves cause seawater temperatures to rise, leading to a loss of vibrant colors and potentially death if prolonged. Coral reefs play a vital role in marine ecosystems, providing habitat and food for many marine species. Coral bleaching severely impacts biodiversity and the marine ecotourism industry.
Pling Island in Thailand has been closed to preserve its coral reefs.
Tourism businesses will see revenue impacted by reduced visitor numbers and increased costs to mitigate the consequences of climate change. Tourists may be hesitant to visit destinations at high risk from climate change, such as those experiencing droughts, floods, storms, or coral bleaching.
The intense heat caused by climate change is affecting not only Thailand but also many other countries in the region, including Singapore. According to CAN, Singaporean tourists are increasingly prioritizing air-conditioned dining and shopping spaces to escape the sweltering heat. Along popular shopping districts like Orchard, visitors are gravitating towards shaded areas to protect themselves from the harsh sun. Shopping malls equipped with efficient cooling systems are attracting large numbers of visitors and shoppers.
The heatwave could cause Singapore economic losses of up to US$1.64 billion.
This trend clearly demonstrates the impact of climate change on the tourism industry and tourist behavior. Intense heat makes tourists hesitant to participate in outdoor activities and they seek sheltered, air-conditioned places to ensure comfort.
Malaysia is renowned for its pristine natural beauty; however, the hot weather in recent months may deter tourists from participating in outdoor activities. According to the New Straits Times, the Malaysian tourism industry is implementing measures to help tourists mitigate the impact of the intense heat, including focusing on promoting indoor attractions and other cooler destinations.
The impacts are extremely serious for Asia. According to the WMO report, the region has the "lowest level" of climate services to inform health decision-makers, indicating that "government agencies on health and climate have limited relationships and cooperation."
Climate change is currently a major challenge, but it also presents an opportunity to develop the tourism industry in a more sustainable direction, contributing to the protection of the environment and communities.
