...looking after our natural assets...
Climate change is a real and immediate threat, and it is now readily accepted that the UK will see significant climate change throughout this century.
Download the Climate Change and Tourism in the south of England advice leaflet.
Stern Report
A government review of the economic impact of climate change, conducted by Sir Nicholas Stern, has been released. The report highlights the serious threat that climate change possesses for business and global economics. In releasing the report, the government has indicated that there is much work to be done to combat the threat; this could include green taxation and carbon trading schemes.
Download the Executive Summary
Tourism contributes significantly to the region's economy. By understanding better the effects of climate change we can alert the visitor industry to any damaging impacts. The region's seaside visitor assets, its coastline, resorts and maritime leisure industry face significant challenges and costs if changes in sea level occur. Inland, millions of visitors come to enjoy the region's distinct landscapes - chalk downland, open heathland and the mixed deciduous woods of the High Weald and Surrey Hills, for example. If farming practices and the indigenous flora change, familiar landscapes will disappear. What impact will that have on their appeal to visitors? We need to know the extent and timetable of any changes to help the visitor industry remain a key part of the economy.
South East Climate Change Partnership
TSE has joined the South East Climate Change Partnership (SECCP) in order to understand more fully what the impacts will be on all sectors of the visitor industry. Whilst climate change will have a serious impact on tourism in the South East region, we cannot say at the moment if it will be for good or bad. The vague assumption that warmer weather will be good for visitors is not a long-term basis for planning. We need to work with the Climate Change Partnership to understand fully what the impacts will be on all sectors of the visitor industry from marine-based services, coastal resorts and caravan sites to the managed landscape that currently attracts visitors to our rural areas.
The mission of the SECCP is to investigate, inform and advise on the threats and opportunities arising from the impacts of climate change in South East England and to promote adaptive planning in the region.
The SECCP has formed a tourism sub-group and, as the strategic lead for tourism in the region, TSE has been invited to be a leading member of it.
Action Plan
The SECCP Tourism Sub Group is working towards improved climate change adaptation in the sector. It is drafting an Action Plan, the aim of which will be to ensure that all sectors of the tourism industry consider climate change in their planning and operations i.e. 'climate proof' their organisations' business and policy decision making.
TSE is fully committed to playing its part in ensuring that the south east has a sustainable tourism sector that is actively adapting for the threats and opportunities of climate change.
For further information about TSE's ongoing contribution to the climate change agenda contact Paul Jeffries, Snr Development Manager.