Climate change and tourism: impacts on São Paulo coast, sustainable actions, and mitigation tools

Abstract

Global warming is one of the causes of sea level rise, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2014), which may reach between 15 and 90 centimeters by 2100, threatening ecosystems and tourism infrastructure worldwide. This study analyzes the potential impacts of sea level rise on tourism in Brazil’s coastal regions, such as the coast of São Paulo, through the use of a predictive tool that estimates the consequences of sea level rise caused by climate change. In this context, we sought to understand extreme climatic situations, such as the landslides recorded in 2023 in the city of São Sebastião, located on the northern coast of São Paulo, and the risks that climate change imposes on coastal communities and tourism. The methodology adopted a qualitative interdisciplinary approach based on bibliographic review, documentary analysis of academic studies, technical reports, and publications from international organizations. The research pointed out that the segment of sun and beach tourism, particularly in municipalities on the coast of São Paulo, such as São Sebastião, may be harmed due to climate action in its coastal areas if the temperature ranges between 1.5 and 3.0 degrees Celsius in the coming years. It was concluded that, under this scenario, sustainable tourism can be a strategy to minimize such impacts by promoting ecotourism and environmental awareness. This approach underscores the urgency of collaboration among governments, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations to preserve coastal zones and ensure long-term protection of tourism activities.