Climate Justice in the Tourism Industry: Coastal Impacts and Community Rights

Abstract

This paper examines the intersection of climate justice and the tourism industry in coastal regions of Indonesia, focusing on how climate change impacts both the environment and the rights of local communities. Coastal areas, which are highly dependent on tourism for economic development, are increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and habitat loss. These environmental changes not only threaten the livelihoods of communities that rely on coastal resources but also exacerbate social inequalities, particularly for marginalized groups such as indigenous peoples and women. This study analyzes the role of the tourism industry in both contributing to and mitigating climate change, as well as its influence on local climate adaptation and resilience efforts. Through case studies, policy analysis, and interviews with stakeholders in affected coastal areas, the research explores how tourism-driven development has often neglected the rights and needs of local communities, while also overlooking the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable groups. Findings suggest that while there is growing awareness of the need for sustainable tourism practices, the industry often prioritizes economic gains over the protection of community rights and environmental integrity. The paper argues that a climate justice approach to tourism must prioritize community-led adaptation strategies, promote equitable distribution of benefits, and ensure that local populations are at the center of decision-making processes. This research contributes to the growing body of climate justice literature by offering insights into how the tourism industry can better align with the principles of environmental and social equity in the face of climate change.