Carbon Neutral Destinations Possible say Oxford Seminar Participants
The first Oxford University Seminar on “Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in The Tourism Industry was held at Balliol College, Oxford on 8-10 April. Over 30 high level participants from all over the world were selected from a list of over 100 applicants. The delegates heard presentations from noted international climate and environmental experts and practitioners in sustainable tourism.
Vigorous and wide-ranging discussions took place regarding tourism’s place in the global warming scenario and its opportunities for mitigation and adaptation in the face of climate change.
Many destinations, in particular small island states, are threatened by global warming which is thought to be destroying coral reefs, raising sea levels and causing violent storms. In the face of these challenges, tourism’s environmental impacts need to be understood and addressed, the seminar participants agreed. One of the options discussed was the prospect of the “Carbon Neutral Destinationâ€
Presenters included: Dr Murray Simpson of Oxford University, Dr Stefan Gossling of Western Norway Research Institute, and Dr Daniel Scott of Waterloo University Canada. Dr Stefanos Fotiou and Helena Rey presented for UN Environment Programme; Luigi Cabrini and Gabor Vereczi for UNWTO; Dr Mark New and Dr Caroline Sullivan for Oxford University Centre for the Environment; Dr Ulric Trotz for the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre; Mario Bravo from the World Bank; Dr David Dodman from the International Institute for Environment and Development; James Whittingham from TUI UK; Emma Whittlsea from South West Tourism/SW Climate Change Impacts Partnership; Dr Takeshi Takama from Stockholm Environment Institute; Dr Stephan Harrison from University of Exeter and University of Oxford.
The seminar discussed subjects including:
– Climate Change and Tourism – State of the Art
– Climate Change and Tourism Vulnerability Assessments and Case Studies
– Mitigation and Adaptation – Options for Tourism and Destinations
– Mitigation and Adaptation Financing
– Adapting to Climate Change in Developing Countries
– Measuring Carbon Emissions and the case for Offsetting
– Investigating Tourism’s Ecological Footprint
– Tour Operators’ and Scientists’ Role
The Capacity-Building Seminar was held jointly by the United Nations Environment Programme, University of Oxford, UNWTO and the World Meteorological Organisation.
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