Climate Change Problems For The Fiji Islands

Climate Change Problems For The Fiji IslandsThis paper explores the lucks that mode falsify poses to the touristry evolution in Fiji islands. It shows the adverse takingss of the changing clime and the dangers pose by the tourism activities and excessively pose a major hazard for the topical anaesthetic people in the region. It also deals with the dangerous deoxycytidine monophosphate emissions and CO2 effect on the landscape, food, urine, heartiness.Key words pacific, modality commute, carbon and CO2 emissions. inceptionThe pacific is the knowledge bases too largest ocean with a ascend scene of action of 175 million sq km and constitutes for 40% of the planets peeings. situated in the tropical latitudes, it speaks more than half the globes circumference. Temperature of the surface piddle in the western tropical regions is always more than 28 C over a depth of several hundred meters. This makes up the worlds storage of thermal zero for ex deepen with atmosphere . here(predicate) the interaction between atmosphere and ocean is near extreme and influences the humor not precisely regionally plainly planet-wide. The dry lands of the pacific argon obscured valet de chambre settlements absorbed in this vast fluid universe. The ocean is the most primary(prenominal) factor controlling the environs and life. Hence some(prenominal) vary in oceanic conditions and climatical variegates ar all grand(predicate) for environment and life (Philander, 1990).The call up mode of a region is defined by the average conditions detect over 3 decades or more, considering all characteristics that makes weather felt by e reallyone and prognosticateed by meteorologists. The main characteristics atomic number 18 temperature, wind conditions, atmospherical coerce, cloud cover and rainfall. The south pacific is bounded by an bea of low ram near the equator and soaring squeeze around 30 S parallel. North-south pressure creates the regular winds in these two atomic number 18as known as the south-east trades (Philander, 1990). all qualify in earths modality has an impact on mankind, biodiversity, health and services provided by ecosystems worldwide. For adapting to such clime variegates it is necessary to understand variation of climate, why and how the climate intensifys, and how it impacts the earths ecosystems. Climate order is an important way of understanding climate variability, metamorphoses and impacts. Earths climate is changing and such interpolates run for to take place with disaccordent patterns which may be characte encouragementd by one or some(prenominal) modes of the climate systems (Philander, 1990).Fiji is the largest tourism destination in the south pacific only if inter case arrivals argon unstable over the last 5 years beca engross of harmful events identical political coup in Fiji in 2000, terrorist attacks in United States on 11th September 2001, the Bali attack in 2002, and severe acu te respiratory syndrome outbreak in Asia in 2003. tourism is endangered to natural hazards and disasters equivalent earthquakes, tsunamis, flood, droughts, and cyclones. Climate transfigure is an important characteristic in disaster anxiety as it is the likely to affect Fiji through sea direct rise and storm surge, changing temperature and extreme weather events (Wilbanks, 2003).About 400,000 holidaymaker visited Fiji in 2002 with an average length of stay of 8 days. While most visitors tot for rest and relaxation linked to beach environments, current marketing campaigns strike to shift the image from pure beach promotion to a wider date (Ministry of tourism-Fiji, 2003).The main aim of this journal paper is to analyse effects of climate change in Fiji islands and adapting and miniskirtmizing climate change by the tourist haunts. The author for behind this is that surveys and interviews were undertaken resulting in many operators already nimble for climate connect change s and adapt to potential impacts resulting in climate change.Methodtourism in Fiji is largely based on resorts at that placefore registration sector is freehanded tourism sub-sector. Tourists spend most of their time at the resorts. For the above reasons it was take over to focus on this analysis of accommodation.Effects of climate change on tourism in FijiTourism operators argon familiar with ecological factors like strong reefs and plain piddle crucial for tourism in Fiji. Operators were sure of the climate change associated impacts like cyclones, the thrashing of coral reefs and flooding. Polluted water system was related to to mounting water temperature and climate change. Increasing sea levels were mentioned by three businesses, two of which lie in low lying Mamanuca Islands. chiefly accommodation business had experienced at least one of the climate related impact. The most common impacts were eating away, water availability, and interruption of electricity. Many reso rts were change by cyclones resulting in coral bleaching and station harm (Short, 2004).Climate related impacts previously experiencedFrequency out of 25Comments by respondents margin line/beach erosion9Banks on edge property/beach give wayReduced water availability9In re centime droughtsInterrupted supply chain8 causation cutsCoral bleaching8Noticed by tourists, snorkelling affectedDamage to property5From sea surgeSea level rise3Storm frequency and intensity3Maintenance of gardens(Short, 2004).Eight businesses verbalize that they were not affected by any of the factors listed. There ar cardinal areas located in the Mamanuca Islands, which are relatively exposed to climate change due to the risk of cyclones, sea level rise, poor water quality, fade corals, and inadequate water availability. There is need of understanding of climate change problems and the managers do not share the problems faced by climate change (Short, 2004).Tourist accommodation uses large variety of eff iciency resources with electrical aught created from hydropower or diesel root being most important for goose egg use. Petrol and diesel is use for business vehicles and other purposes. Also molten petroleum gas is utilise by most businesses mostly for cooking, baking hot water and in laundry. Energy utilization and nursery gas emissions differ broadly for diverse businesses. The standard of accommodation and geographical location are the two factors that have major influence on energy inlet and carbon-dioxide emissions (Becken, 2002). Tourist accommodation in the Mamanuca Islands is around 2-3 times ascarbon-intensive as that inVitiLevu. The key cause for this is in electricity generation, which is to a salient extent less(prenominal)carbon-intensive inVitiLevu. Because of the high quantity of renewable energy sources (hydro and bagasse) compared with diesel production on islands with its natural inadequacy ( approximately 65-70% of energy foreplay is lost during the proce ss of generation). Resorts on remote islands run more or less self-sufficiently, and hence have supplementary energy needs (e.g., sewage treatment, freezing rubbish). Tran looseness energy utilization is also high condition that not only do tourists have to be tape transported to and from the resort, but so also do food supplies, energy (diesel and gas), water and other devices necessary for operating the resort (Becken, 2002).The rough feasible estimate is obtained of energy use and carbon monoxide emissions related with tourism for the Fiji. The total number of visitor nights worn out(p) in Fiji was 2,891,295 in 2002 ( plane section of energy, 2003). 82% of visitor-nights were spent in hotels, 13% in bandagingpacker/budget accommodation, and the remaining nights were being spent in motels, on boats or in other songs of commercial and non-commercial accommodation. Total energy utilize due to tourist accommodation was calculated at 1,078,373,475 MJ per annum which is equivale nt to national energy use of 6.5%. in terms of carbon monoxide the accommodation industriousness emits 68,219 tonnes per annum.( De office staffment of energy, 2003)Tourism in Fiji is extremely exposed to climate change related hazards such as cyclones, flooding and storms, sea level rise, erosion, transport and communication interruption, and momentarily less water availability. another(prenominal) most important apprehension for the tourism industry is the deprivation of natural systems, such as coral reefs and forest ecosystems, further exasperated by climate change. Tourism businesses in common are affected in the form of tangible damage from acycloneor storm surge, erosion, and coral bleaching. In violate of the high risk linked with tourist facilities built on the waterfront, most new victimizations spotlight on coastal areas. Mangroves are been cut polish up in large carapace who in turn acts like a protective cover against climate related changes (Jones, 2003).Tourist accommodation providers adapt to climatic conditions that may affect their business, and in doing so they are also prepared for impacts that may result from a changing climate. Typically, operators focus on relatively concrete and foreseeable high-risk impacts, such as cyclones and storm surges, for typeface bycyclone-proofing their structures and gooding seawalls. A number of accommodation providers have insurance cover against cyclones and storm surges. Generally, it seems that the risk of accumulative impacts or more solicit impacts are less treasure and addressed. Pollution control, sewage treatment, and water precaution are examples of this. The vulnerability to extreme climate-related events trick be dropd when climate change adaptation is integrated in the development process from the earliest stages (Jones, 2003).The exact location of the development and design such as expression material, orientation, structures and decorate helps in reducing the vulnerability. There is a opportunity to change tourism development in at destinations less endangered to climate change, with current attempts to diversifying Fijis tourism product in relation to ecotourism. new-sprung(prenominal) and unique tourism products can be developed in Fiji on high land areas using Japanese concept of shakkei (borrowed landscape), where hotel layout, garden landscaping and scenery are mixed together into an overall experience of ecosystem that is incompatible from the typical beachfront (Ayala, 1995).A number of greenhouse gas moderation procedures are in place such as adapting generator sizes, switching sullen lights, energy efficient light bulbs and solar hot water. There is a huge potential for solar energy and wind-generated power especially on the Coral Coast, the Mamanuca Islands, and Sonasavu, these technologies are taken up slowly, inhibited by neediness of knowledge, neat, capacity and government incentives. Often, the energy demand of a single tourist reso rt is too small to justify investment in a wind turbine. The policy focus and interests of resort operators in Fiji are development-driven, although there is a strong recognition of the concept of sustainable development. Climate change is mainly seen from the perspective of tourisms vulnerability and adaptation. Mitigation seems to be less pressing, although in the strong suit term increasing greenhouse gas emissions (e.g., as a result of increasing tourist arrivals) could undermine Fijis credibility in worldwide negotiations on climate change. The above order of Government and industry priorities has to be recognised when trying to go for any climate-change-related prizes (Ayala, 1995). Climate change can be mixed with sustainable development by identifying key problems and consequently linking those to climate change. In the case of Fiji tourism these major local problems are land use issues, old stock accommodation, wishing of new capital and investment, go downed air cap acity, dependence on air travel, economic outflow, lack of unique selling point, environment degradation and political instability (Narayan, 2000).environmental problems like pollution, deforestation and excessive use of resources are to be considered. potential drop issues in addition to these problems are more likely to be funded by donor agencies, stakeholders and industry members (Hay et al., 2003). Recognizing co-benefits of climate change policies is as important as its effect, for example, heavy use of air conditioning leads to ontogenesis in greenhouse gas emissions or the relocation of sand adds to local environmental impacts. forthcoming work would need to take into account technological and economic aspects, as well as the expected amount of overthrowd or increase greenhouse gas emissions (Dang et al., 2003).Energy is a major cost device driver for the operation of a tourism accommodation business, especially when energy is derived from dodo fuels either for transp ort or electricity generation. The operation of diesel generators is costly, because of inefficiencies, rapture costs (diesel shipment), maintenance, and salaries for powerhouse staff. Thus, managers have an economic interest in retentivity electricity consumption low. The crux with diesel generators, however, is that once a generator is purchased, the optimum range of electricity generation is determined at about 80% of the maximum performance. Mini hydropower schemes are less relevant for coastal resorts, but could be an option for tourism ventures operated in inland communities (referred to as ecotourism operators by the Fiji Ministry of Tourism and Visitor spot). The capital costs are very high, however, and consequently the uptake is minimal. The Department of Energy currently assesses potential sites for mini hydropower schemes, and it is also exploring potential for geothermal electricity generation on Vanua Levu, the plunk for largest island of Fiji. Wind energy is not w idely used in Fiji, but the Coral Coast, Mamanuca Islands, and Sonasavu are promising locations for wind-powered generation. Wind energy systems are accessible at different scales, ranging from small 1-kW ones to 100-700kW schemes (medium scale), or even larger ones (UNEP, 2003). Tourist resorts would need small- to medium-scale wind systems if they want to meet their whole electricity demand by wind power. baseborn islands are unlikely to erect wind turbines because of lack of space and noise pollution. Resorts on larger areas are in a better position to pursue wind energy. No renewable energy sources are currently seriously discussed for transport, although one resort looked into wind-driven boats, and there are explorations into replacing fossil fuel with bio-fuel, for example derived from coconut palm(copra) oil (Sopac, 2004).Steps to minimize the effect of climate change in FijiReforestation is the most important means of reducing climate change. Trees minimizes vulnerable n ature of cyclones, improve microclimate and enhances landscapes which are used in tourism activities. Trees reduce carbon content in the air and are useful in adaptive measures like erosion control and watershed management. Forest protection and plantation should be done under adaption policies. Developing small scale technologies for wind and solar energy on the remote island would help reduce the dependency on imported fossil fuel and economic leakage (Dang et al., 2003).AdaptationImpact on mitigationImpact on environmentTree plantationReduces net CO2 emissions through carbon sinksBenefits biodiversity, water management, soilsWater conservationReduces energy costs for supplying water controlling in areas where water is limitedRenewable natural resourcesReduces CO2 emissionsOverall, less polluting than fossil fuelsNatural building materialsSmall carbon footprint for topically produced materialsDepends on sustainability of plantationsReducing water pollutionIncreased energy used for sewage treatmentPositive for coral reefs and marine life leatherneck protectionNeutralPositive for marine biodiversityRain water accruementSaves transport energy for supplying waterPossibly interrupts the natural water cycleGuest educationNeutralIncreases awarenessSetting back structuresNeutralPositive when structures built away from beachfrontDiversifying marketsPositive if markets are eco-efficientDepends on environmental impacts of new marketsWeather proofing tourist activitiesDepends on the type of activitiesDepends on the type of activitiesWater desalinisationHigh energy costsTakes pressure off freshwater resourcesIncreasing beach conditioningIncreases CO2 emissions denude pollution in case of diesel generationBeach alimentEnergy use for mining and transportationDisturbs eco systemsReducing beach erosion with sea wallsNeutralDisturbs natural currents and cause erosion(Dang et al., 2003).There is no common strategy to address interactions between climate change and tourism in Fiji, nor is there a sector-wide industry association that could promote any climate-change-related initiatives. However, there are isolated examples among industry members that reveal a high understanding and advanced use of technology and management to address climatically unfavourable conditions. Those operators are also best prepared for increased risks resulting from climate change. Also, a number of operators plunge in wider environmental management, energy conservation, and indeed climate change mitigation, although the greenhouse gas emission aspect is rarely the reason for the mitigating measures undertakenOverall, there is a need for tourism-specific information on what climate change is, how it go out affect tourism, and what operators could do to adapt and mitigate. In the medium term it would also be important to include climate change in the curricula of tertiary education for students in the field of tourism, resource management engineering and architecture. Sinc e the scope and costs for many adaptation and mitigation measures are largely determined by the design of tourist facilities, the incorporation of these aspects into architectural courses is particularly important. Alongside information and education initiatives, the Government could assist businesses in undertaking energy audits, facilitating the implementation of Environmental Management Systems (e.g., Green testicle 21), and providing incentives, for example for the uptake of renewable energy sources.Climate change could form part of a wider risk management plan for tourism. Such an initiative is currently being discussed between the Ministry of Tourism and the Disaster Management Office. A two-level approach could be possible, where guidelines are provided for tourism operators to develop their own risk or disaster management plan at the business level, mend Government covers wider issues beyond individual businesses, such as tourism bag and larger evacuation plans. The curre nt attempt by the Fiji Visitor Bureau to diversify the product could be seen as part of national-level risk management, as they attempt to spread risk across different markets (e.g., event tourism, sport tourism, nature tourism) and seasons. Fewer initiatives exist to weather-proof tourism, as suggested for tourism in Phuket, Thailand (Raksakulthai, 2003). Another important step towards implementing a nation-wide risk management strategy for tourism and climate change would be the mapping of all tourism infrastructure, as well as the risk of various hazards in different locations.The Department of Environment in their climate change policy or the Ministry of Tourism in their risk management plan are best advised to pursue measures that offer win-win situations, namely for adaptation, mitigation, wider environmental management and development. Examples of such measures are reforestation, water conservation, and the use of renewable energy sources. It is recommended that the synergies between adaptation, mitigation, and sustainable development be explored further and that the effects be quantified where possible i.e., how muchcarboncan be saved as a result of a particular measure and what costs are inculpated. This is even more important given the lack of resources in Fiji, which requires maximising benefits from any implemented measure (Dang et al., 2003).Reducing the consumption of hot water for laundry and showers and reducing the water temperature are saving measures. Other energy use reductions measures in accommodation are lighting, including energy efficient light bulbs, sensor lighting in the garden, solar panel lights, and room keys used to operate lights inside the room. Although energy efficient bulbs are good option they are expensive and do not last long because of the fluctuating supply of power from generators. In the smaller islands the energy costs of shipping are higher, so the managers tend to increase the ship load with passengers on board w ith food, waste or water. One way of saving fuel is to minimize shipping trips.The increase in globular mean temperature to 2 degrees above pre-industrial levels is necessary to curb the risk of dangerous climate change at an acceptable level and to limit climate impacts. Temperatures increase certain level of atmospheric concentration. The results taper that in order to have a good chance of restrain global average temperature in the long run to 2 degrees atmospheric concentration of all greenhouse gases needs to be stabilised. Intergovernmental policy on climate change i.e. IPCC indicates that keeping concentration in the range of 445-490 ppm requires global emissions to peak by 2015, and to fall by between 50-85% by 2050. reliable trends would result in much higher concentrations and high risks of catastrophic climate change.The clean development mechanism means to make compliance with easier calculate commitments , the Kyoto Protocol allows using offset credits from emissi ons reduction projects in developing countries, under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). Governments can propose and implement emissions reductions on a project-by-project basis under CDM. The resulting credits are bought by governments that are under emissions reduction obligations. Large projects categories are renewable energy mainly using hydropower instead of fossil fuels, reduction of methane emissions from landfills and coal mines, emissions from cement production, and destruction of potent industrial gases. There were over three special K CDM projects underway in may 2008, which, is implemented and approved, would yield expected emissions reductions of 2.5 one thousand thousand tons of carbon dioxide. The Asian Pacific region accounts for 80 per cent of the CDM credits that expected to be generated. The World Bank cites supply estimates of 1.4 to 2.2 zillion credits by 2012Conclusions and recommendationsGlobal consult over climate change impacts and risks has incre ased greatly in recent times, and climate change is recognised not only an environmental challenge but also an economic challenge. The Pacific region is home to the fast growing, large economies in the world and the dominant source of growth in greenhouse gas emissions. To limit and reduce emissions action is required in developing countries. There is large number of opportunities to reduce emissions but most of these are expensive and cannot be implemented unless policy settings change. More ambitious policies pull up stakes be needful to turn emission trends around in developing and developed countries. The global dynamics are of the mutually reinforcing type one countrys action depends on other countries doing their bit. The more countries commit to significant policies, the easier it will become to draw others in. In contrast, if some countries refuse to take part in collective action, others will also refuse to do so. An hard-hitting response to global climate change will n eed to involve bilateral deal or multilateral agreement. Large and medium coat economies will need to be a part of it. For an agreement to succeed, the introduction must be kept wide open for developing countries to engage fully in policies, with the support of high income countries.Climate change analysts predict that within the coming decades, sea level will rise gradually. So the affecting nation might have begun identifying the effects of climate change on tourism activities and overall people living in that region. Small islands are at risk to adapt to the adverse affects of climate change because of high costs as well as benefits. Not only just people but unique human cultures are also at high risk. Migration is another option for local people but again the cost factor is crucial, as most of these people are illiterate and unemployed. They will have to relocate unwillingly. Survival is the main concern in this case. It is also highly impossible for any recipient nation to gr ant asylum to an entire country. The larger impact of climate change will challenge the capacity of the country. The secondary impacts will be water scarcity, food security, health services, land scarcity. At some point many land areas will become incapable of sustaining life and people will be forced to migrate.