Authors:
Kaiko Mubita, Inonge Milupi, Kalisto Kalimaposo, Pauline Namakau Monde, Akombelwa Muyangana, Steriah
M. Simooya and Chidongo Phiri
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Abstract:
Tourism is a vital driver of the global economy, Zambia inclusive. According to the World Travel and
Tourism Council (WTTC), the direct contribution of travel and tourism to world GDP in 2012 was
US$ 2.1 trillion. However, the tourism sector is highly vulnerable to climate change. This is because
tourism depends on environmental resources while climate defines the length and quality of tourism
seasons. At the same time, tourism contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG), the cause
of global warming. Many types of tourism in Zambia are weather dependent and by extension, climate
dependent. It is, therefore, very likely that climate change may affect the tourism sector in Zambia. Climate
change can reduce, increase and prolong heat waves or change the patterns of annual rainfall received
in Zambia. Using a literature review, this paper presents the direct impacts and indirect impacts of climate
change on the tourism sector and also proposes response strategies for climate change mitigation and
adaptation in the Zambian context. Responses such as mainstreaming ESD, teacher education, research
engagement, community-based approach, and sustainability education among others are proposed. |
