Blog Bio Ressources - Rushing to Witness the End: The Rise of Last Chance Tourism

Rushing to Witness the End: The Rise of Last Chance Tourism

Last chance tourism is a growing trend where travelers rush to visit destinations threatened by climate change before they disappear or drastically change. This phenomenon has gained significant attention in recent years as the effects of global warming become increasingly visible across the globe.

What is Last Chance Tourism ?

Last chance tourism refers to the practice of visiting places that are at risk of vanishing or transforming due to environmental changes, primarily driven by climate change. Popular destinations include:

Glaciers in the Alps and Iceland
The Great Barrier Reef in Australia
Low-lying islands in the Pacific
Arctic regions

Travelers are motivated by a desire to witness these natural wonders before they’re gone forever, often spurred on by media coverage and environmental reports highlighting their vulnerability.

The Paradox of Last Chance Tourism

While the intention behind last chance tourism may seem noble – to appreciate and raise awareness about threatened environments – it presents a paradoxical problem:

Increased emissions: The very act of traveling to these remote locations often involves long-distance flights and other carbon-intensive transportation, contributing to the greenhouse gas emissions driving climate change.

Environmental strain: Popular destinations may struggle to cope with increased visitor numbers, leading to habitat disruption, pollution, and accelerated degradation.

Safety Concerns :

Last chance tourism can also pose significant risks to travelers:

Unstable environments: As glaciers retreat and permafrost thaws, previously stable areas become more dangerous. In September 2024, an American tourist tragically died when an ice cave collapsed in Iceland.
Extreme weather: Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, which can pose dangers to unprepared visitors.
Remote locations: Many last chance destinations are in remote areas with limited emergency services.

Is Last Chance Tourism Ethical ?

The ethics of last chance tourism are complex:

Pros:

Raises awareness about climate change impacts
Can motivate visitors to adopt more sustainable lifestyles
Provides economic benefits to local communities

Cons:

Contributes to the very problem it seeks to highlight
May accelerate damage to fragile ecosystems
Raises questions about the ethics of profiting from environmental destruction

Alternatives and Sustainable Approaches :

Rather than rushing to see disappearing destinations, consider these alternatives:

Virtual tourism: Explore threatened locations through documentaries, virtual reality, or live streams.

Sustainable travel: If you do visit, choose eco-friendly transportation and accommodations. Support local conservation efforts.

Domestic exploration: Discover natural wonders closer to home to reduce your carbon footprint.

Regenerative tourism: Participate in travel experiences that actively contribute to environmental restoration and community well-being.

While the desire to witness Earth’s vanishing wonders is understandable, last chance tourism presents a complex ethical dilemma. As travelers, we must carefully consider the impact of our choices and seek ways to appreciate and protect our planet’s natural heritage without contributing to its destruction. By adopting more sustainable and mindful travel practices, we can help ensure that future generations will still have the chance to experience these remarkable places.

Reference list :

https://www.greenmatters.com/travel/last-chance-tourism

https://theweek.com/environment/last-chance-tourism-controversial-travel-trend

https://greenly.earth/en-us/blog/ecology-news/what-is-last-chance-tourism

https://geoconfluences.ens-lyon.fr/glossaire/tourisme-de-la-derniere-chance-last-chance-tourism

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/04/climate/climate-change-iceland-glacier-tourism.html

https://canadiangeographic.ca/articles/the-irony-of-last-chance-travel-in-the-age-of-climate-change/

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/03/briefing/last-chance-tourism.html