Climate Change Impact on Outdoor Organizations Today

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Climate Change Research
• Outdoor Recreation Management

Background:

• Outdoor recreation and tourism sectors are directly impacted by climate change and severe weather events.
• Providers, educators, and facilities are experiencing these effects firsthand.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of climate change on outdoor operations in 2023.
• To identify key concerns and decision-making challenges faced by these organizations.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was administered to 127 outdoor organizations.
• Participants included tourism providers, education programs, conservation groups, and recreation facilities.
• Respondents represented diverse geographic locations from Canada to Mexico and internationally.

Main Results:

• Moderate to serious impacts from climate change were reported across outdoor operations.
• Extreme heat and air quality were primary concerns, alongside flooding, wildfires, snowpack changes, and disease vectors.
• Most organizations revised operational plans in 2023 due to extreme weather, with fewer than half having decision-making criteria.

Conclusions:

• Significant uncertainty exists regarding extreme heat and air quality impacts on client and worker health.
• Lack of trusted guidance and conflicting jurisdictional recommendations create decision-making challenges.
• There is a critical need for practical direction and sector-specific research for outdoor operations.