The relationship between tourism and climate change is a complex one – not least here in the Jungfrau region. Because visitors often travel here from a long way away, tourism can be seen as one of the factors underlying the changes that are occurring. The CO2 emissions produced by tourism are disproportionately high in comparison with those of other industries. Furthermore, the consequences of climate change have a negative impact on tourist regions. When the snow limit climbs, this threatens the economic future of lower lying ski resorts, and when the glaciers melt, the mountain resorts lose one of their attractions. Researchers predict far-reaching changes for the Bernese Oberland. Today 26 ski areas enjoy guaranteed snow. If temperatures go up by one degree, there will only be 22 of them. But if temperatures rise by four degrees, only three winter sports areas will be able to guarantee snow. They include the area of the Kleine Scheidegg, and also the Schilthorn. On the other hand, climate change could also have a positive impact on tourism in the Alps, if the heat of the Mediterranean beaches means that more and more visitors are attracted to summer resorts in the mountains.
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