Some of the most studied and well-known effects of global warming are the changes that are already occurring at the Earth’s poles. While the loss of ice caps is a tragedy, the country of Greenland has taken it as an opportunity to generate improve tourism. (Photo by Christine Zenino, Flickr)
[nggallery id=199 template=carousel images=4][imagebrowser id=199] By Kavitha Pramod May 11, 2012 Did you know that a Greenland vacation would allow you to see the effects of global warming as they occur? Some of the most studied and well-known effects of global warming are the changes that are already occurring at the Earth’s poles. Stories of melting ice caps and the endangerment of polar bears are constantly in the news. While the loss of these precious animals and resources is a tragedy, the country of Greenland has taken it as an opportunity to generate and improve tourism. Greenland, the largest island that is not a continent, is located mostly within the Arctic Circle. According to Greenland’s statistics, the northernmost part of the country is only 450 miles from the North Pole. The effects of global warming can be seen with the naked eye from this icy country. For many years, Greenland’s tourists have been mainly visitors from Denmark and Germany. They come because it is a relatively short trip, and because the island is a self-governing Danish territory. In recent years, however, global warming and its effects have put Greenland on the map as a worldwide tourist destination, especially people from North America. Anders la Cour Vahl, a senior consultant at the Greenland Tourism and Business Council, told CNN that visitors to Greenland can see the effects of global warming with their own eyes. In fact, the tourism industry has used this “see global warming for yourself” angle in its marketing. Along with dog sledding, hot springs, northern lights, food and culture, The Official Tourism Site of Greenland also suggests activities such as viewing ice sheets, icebergs, and Arctic wildlife to tourists. What’s more, this country is not the alone is making global warming into an attraction. The book 100 Places to Go Before They Disappear lists locations around the world that may not be around in the coming decades due to global warming. Greenland’s cities of Ilulissat and Zackenberg are included in the book. Greenland is, without a doubt, a place of rich natural, historical, and cultural treasures. However, are these attractions the reason so many tourists suddenly want to visit Greenland? And what if people are visiting to see the effects of global warming? Is it unethical to profit from global warming, or is it just par for the course? Could seeing the melting ice sheets galvanize visitors, or do they just want to gawk? Share your thoughts with Sierra Club Green Home. For related articles, see: Visiting Paris? Try a Bicycle Tour! Environmentally Friendly Tokyo Vacation © 2012 SCGH, LLC.]]>
