Briefly summarize this case study.

Climate change Arguably the most pressing future issue confronting the destination manager is the potential impact of climate change. Although opinions are sharply divided on the scope and scale of global warming and depletion of the ozone layer, evidence has been produced of discernible changes in weather patterns that, if they were to continue unabated, would severely impact on quality of life and recreational opportunity Global warming is attributed to the release into the atmosphere of the so-called 'greenhouse gases -- six billion tonnes per year, 90 per cent from industrialised countries - produced largely by the burning of fossil fuels and the operation of petrol-driven vehicles (Godrej 1999). These gases are absorbed into the existing carbon dioxide blanket that surrounds the Earth, increasing its ability to contain heat radiated from the interior and reflected from the surface. Obviously, any change in natural amenity will influence people's inclination to visit a particular area. Among the most important factors in destination choice is weather, with tourists choosing to substitute the destination's climate for that of their home region, or to seek an activity, such as skiing, that requires particular climatic conditions. In considering the impacts of global warming on destination choice, Brown (1998:123) observes: In Europe the trend towards warmer summers and milder winters could see summer holiday makers in the north east staying at home, other resorts extending their season, but winter sports enthusiasts heading further afield- to North America or even Japan - in an effort to find snow. I Galloway (1988) observed that Australian ski fields, which are an integral part of our attractions portfolio, operate in marginal dimatic conditions. Out lining the results of a study of ski resorts in Victoria and New South Wales, the author states that an increase in atmospheric temperature of 2C, accompanied by a 20 per cent decrease in precipitation, would reduce the operative ski season by as much as 80 per cent, and would have a prolound effect on tourism receipts and, ultimately, investment. According to the study the area of New South Wales most conducive to cross-country skiing would be reduced from 1400 to 270 square kilometres. The use of technology to produce 'arti- ficial' snow is one ottempt to offset such impocts, as are attempts to promote non-skiing activities such as hiking in the autumn and summer. Serious as such possibilities are, there are potentially much more serious global implications. Rising sea levels, as a result of the melting of polor icecaps, could inundote popular island and coastal areas in the Pocific and Indian Oceans. Even destinations in the developed world are not immune. For example, Venice, one of the most significant tourist destinations in Europe, is located on a logoon and dissected by a network of conak. Even the clichest rise in sea level would have a devastating effect on the city The other problem - ozone depletion - has more immediate ramifications for Australian destination management. The ozone layer also envelopes the Earth, providing protection from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Deple- tion, most noticeable in the polar regions, is also blomed on emission of goses, notably chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), until recently widely used in refrigerators and spray cans. It is claimed that the impact of this depletion is already apparent in the high rate of skin cancer occurrence among Australiens. Should destination marketers continue to promote sun, sed and sand images, and the exposure to harmful rays that accompanies most beach activities? notably chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), until recently widely used in refrigerators and spray cans. It is claimed that the impact of this depletion is already apparent in the high rate of skin cancer occurrence among Australians. Should destination marketers continue to promote sun, sed and sand images, and the exposure to harmful rays that accompanies most beach activities? These environmental threats beg a number of questions. To what extent does tourism activity contribute to global warming and ozone depletion, and what, if anything, can tourist destination management do to ameliorate the problems and prepare for what may be inevitable climatic change? In earlier sections of this chapter we alluded to the potential for actions at a strictly local level to have wider implications. Even the act of attempting to increase visitation, which in itself seems fairly innocuous, contributes to the movement of tourists and the consumption of fossil fuels, as aircraft, ships and cars facilitate their transit. If growth predictions for global tourism are realised, and every indication suggests that they will be, the rate of consumption and of harmful emissions will similarly increase. At the destination, air-conditioning, the use of pesticides to maintain gardens and golf courses, and the clearing of land to facilitate development are all examples of local actions that have global implications. Any dismissal of such issues as too small to have any effect beyond the local ared should be considered in the light of the growing number of tourist destin- ations. The cumulative effect of all tourism developments and activities should be an overarching consideration. The adage 'think globally - act locally will continue to have particular relevance for the destination manager. Responding to climatic changes, of whatever magnitude, could become an increasingly important part of destination management. The fact that these changes will not occur overnight, but may become evident over a period of time, affords us the opportunity to plan strategically and to adjust gradually. If we accept that such changes are inevitable, establishing destinations with multi- season appeal, creating facilities that are adaptable to varying weather con- ditions, and adopting environmentally friendly building designs and operation practices can all contribute to greater resilience. We have already emphasised the primary importance of long-term sustainability and the ability to respond to change of whatever kind. Although it may seem a distant and unlikely scenario, climate change will become an issue of increasing importance