CLIMATE CHANGE

Weather and climate have a major impact on tourism, which depends on natural features and favourable climatic conditions. The release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere causes global warming, which is mainly due to the increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere by human activities. Tourism is the main contributor to climate change, mainly through transport, electricity and water use and the generation of large amounts of waste.

The fact that climate change is already here is shown by the significant trend in air temperature measurements and, as a consequence, it can be said with certainty that greater and more severe climate change, extreme weather events such as hailstorms, droughts, heat stress and frosts can be expected in the future. Countries around the world are acutely aware of the importance of addressing the issue of climate change and the weight that global cooperation carries in overcoming the challenges and their global nature.

Climate change is not only a threat but also an opportunity to transform tourism in a more sustainable direction. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transport, accommodation and other tourism activities is essential to preserve the environment for future generations. Tourism can be developed in a way that respects local communities and ecosystems, which means promoting local products and crafts, using renewable energy and reducing waste.

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS TO MITIGATE CLIMATE CHANGE

Our current lifestyles are each contributing our fair share to climate change, and our main purpose in adapting to climate change is to reduce the risks and damages of current and future impacts. The consequences are most commonly seen in rising temperatures, but also in more frequent weather instability, droughts, floods, storms, ecosystem sensitivity, sea level rise and drinking water supply problems.

Carbon footprint is a measure of climate change impacts. We use the term carbon footprint to represent the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) that individuals and businesses are responsible for.

The carbon footprint can thus be calculated for an activity, an activity, an event and products and measured in tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e). Individuals contribute to the transition towards a climate-neutral society by making changes in their lifestyles. To achieve climate neutrality, individuals can advocate changes such as switching to renewable energy supply, sustainable mobility, organic farming, changing dietary habits, reducing electricity consumption, heating and non-consumptive lifestyles.

We have summarised the guidelines and recommendations for reducing our carbon footprint in the following documents:

CRISIS PLAN FOR TOURISM IN RADLJE OB DRAVI

As part of our efforts to develop tourism in the destination in a sustainable way, in 2024, in cooperation with the Municipality of Radlje ob Dravi, the Radlje ob Dravi Civil Protection Headquarters, the Radlje ob Dravi Volunteer Fire Brigade and the Radlje ob Dravi Health Centre, we prepared the Radlje ob Dravi Destination Tourism Crisis Plan (Radlje ob Dravi Tourism Crisis Plan).The Radlje ob Dravi Tourism Crisis Plan was prepared by the Radlje ob Dravi Municipality in cooperation with the Radlje ob Dravi Municipality. Its aim is to reduce the risks of crises and to ensure an organised and effective response in the event of a crisis.

The plan identifies the most likely crises, such as natural disasters and health crises, and sets out concrete measures to ensure the safety of tourists and providers and to deal with the consequences of crises. The key to this is effective communication with tourism providers and our guests, which will be ensured through the Tourism Crisis Group set up within the ŠKTM Radlje ob Dravi.

Contact number for tourism providers and guests in case of crisis:
Tourism Crisis Group - Public Institution ŠKTM Radlje ob Dravi

Contact: 040 852 287

Tonja Rojnić .... Crisis Team Leader
Rok Šarman .... Deputy Head
Vojko Gmajner .... Crisis Public Communications Manager

Climate change and Slovenian tourism

The document 'Climate Change and Slovenian Tourism' presents the most important findings and recommendations for adapting tourism in different segments: winter tourism, urban tourism, summer active tourism and summer tourism by water. It also highlights the interdependence of these segments and the importance of climate change adaptation for each type of tourism. The document is the result of the research project 'Climate Change and Sustainable Development of Slovenian Tourism', which provides a detailed analysis of the impacts of climate change in relation to future projections, a model for calculating the carbon footprint of Slovenian tourism, a thorough analysis of possible climate action and recommendations for the country, destinations, providers and individuals. The project was funded by the Slovenian Public Agency for Research and the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, CRP, and coordinated by the Faculty of Tourism, University of Maribor. The Slovenian Tourist Board participated in the development of the handbook.

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