New book examines climate justice challenges in global tourism

Titled ‘Climate Justice in Tourism’, the publication was edited by Freya Higgins-Desbiolles, Raymond Rastegar and Roshis Krishna Shrestha.

The book brings together research and case studies from around the world to explore the complex links between tourism development, climate change and social inequality.

Developed with input from researchers at the Griffith Institute for Tourism, the book is connected to the institute’s Climate Justice and Tourism research initiative. The project examines how climate policies in the tourism sector can be designed to address fairness and avoid deepening existing social and economic disparities.

Tourism remains one of the largest global industries and plays a significant role in greenhouse gas emissions, especially through aviation and other forms of transport.

At the same time, many popular tourism destinations, including islands, coastal areas and nature-based sites, are among the most exposed to climate threats such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events and environmental degradation.

Dr. Rastegar said the research highlights a fundamental contradiction within the sector.

“Tourism is both a contributor to the climate crisis and one of its victims,” he said. “If we want meaningful climate action in tourism, we must consider who benefits from tourism development and who bears the environmental and social costs.”

The book introduces a framework for examining justice within tourism, looking at how power structures, governance systems and global economic dynamics influence climate outcomes in the industry. It also questions traditional tourism models that prioritize economic growth while overlooking environmental sustainability and social wellbeing.

Instead, the contributors call for new approaches that respect the rights of local communities, indigenous peoples and ecosystems.

“Too often climate action focuses only on reducing emissions or protecting industry growth,” Dr. Rastegar said. “A climate justice perspective asks deeper questions about fairness, participation and responsibility, ensuring that climate policies support communities, workers and ecosystems rather than leaving them behind.”

Through interdisciplinary research and global case studies, the book offers insights for policymakers, researchers and industry leaders seeking more sustainable and equitable pathways for the future of tourism.