28 Jul Intersections: Climate Change, Decent Work, Social Justice and Tourism

What does it look like when climate change starts to impact the tourism system?

The conversation about the impacts of climate change on the economy has begun. Often these conversations talk about impacts on a wide range of businesses, but tourism and hospitality are often an important part of the story. This article from American Public Media’s Marketplace “More frequent, extreme heatwaves linked to workplace injuries” is a good example – raising issues around workplace conditions as temperatures increase.

Several states – including California, Oregon, and Washington, have implemented new guidelines for workplace safety in times of extreme heat. These new rules and policies will undoubtedly impact tourism and hospitality businesses – and their employees.

Climate change highlights the intersectionality of our challenges. Climate Change impacting decent work conditions, impacting the sustainability of the tourism industry. Overlaid on the challenge of providing decent work are issues of social justice, as people of color disproportionately endure low-paying, poor working conditions. There are solutions to these problems, but they require a systems approach that recognizes the interconnectivity of our challenges. And they require action now.

There is work to be done….