The Climate Change Double Bind

Vulnerable Destinations

Climate change threatens tourism assets:

Ski Resort Precarity - Snow reliability declining below 1,800 meters - Season shortened by 5 weeks since 1970 - Artificial snow dependency increasing - Economic model sustainability questioned

Coastal Erosion - 25% of beaches retreating - Iconic sites threatened (Étretat, Biarritz) - Infrastructure relocation costs mounting - Insurance becoming problematic

Wine Region Shifts - Traditional grape varieties struggling - Harvest dates advancing (3 weeks earlier) - New regions becoming viable - Terroir concept challenged

Adaptation Strategies

Forward-thinking destinations prepare:

Chamonix Valley - Glacier retreat tourism (morbid but real) - Summer activity diversification - Public transport investment - Building energy efficiency mandates

Loire Valley - Drought-resistant landscaping - Evening/night visits for heat avoidance - Water recycling systems - Biodiversity corridors creation