Home » SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL » Spain Joins Portugal, Caribbean Islands, Baltic Sea, and Germany in a Last-Ditch Battle to Save Our Planet from Climate Change and Overtourism or Travellers will be in a New Jeopardy: How?
Published on
November 15, 2025
Spain joins Portugal, Caribbean Islands, Baltic Sea, and Germany in a crucial battle to protect our planet. This battle is centered around the escalating issues of climate change and overtourism, both of which are threatening the environments, cultures, and economies of these regions. As tourism numbers continue to soar, these countries are facing the growing risk of irreversible damage to their natural resources and local traditions. Without immediate action, travellers may find themselves in new jeopardy, as beloved destinations become increasingly unsustainable. The balance between welcoming visitors and preserving local cultures, landscapes, and ecosystems is delicate. In this article, we will explore the efforts of these countries and the urgent measures being implemented to mitigate the damage caused by unchecked tourism and the changing climate. So, how will they save the planet and ensure tourism remains sustainable for future generations? Let’s find out.
1. Spain: Mediterranean Coasts and Islands Facing Overcrowding and Climate Stress
Spain is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, especially in its Mediterranean coastal regions and islands, including the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands. These areas, which are major tourism hubs, are experiencing rising temperatures, water scarcity, and beach erosion—issues that are exacerbated by the growing number of tourists.
Tourism’s Environmental Impact
The influx of tourists, combined with the growth of cruise ship tourism and the expansion of resort-based tourism, has put immense pressure on local resources, particularly water and energy. In popular tourist destinations, these areas face over-consumption of water, leading to wastewater challenges and depletion of natural resources. The climate-related droughts further intensify the stress on water systems, particularly during the summer months, when the number of visitors peaks.
Climate Change Link
Spain’s Mediterranean coast is becoming hotter, with extreme heat waves occurring more frequently, particularly in the south. This climate change is amplifying the vulnerabilities of coastal ecosystems, such as beaches and coastal forests, which are already susceptible to erosion and water depletion. The rising temperatures also make it difficult for the local ecosystem to recover, with beaches shrinking, and infrastructure starting to fail under the weight of too many visitors. With climate change, Spain faces a scenario where the environments that attract tourists could be lost, affecting both the tourism industry and the environment.
Government and Tourism Sector Responses:
- National strategy: The Spanish government has developed a strategy to address the impact of extreme heat on tourism, including adaptation planning and climate-resilient infrastructure.
- Heat alerts: Local authorities have implemented heat alerts, established cooling measures for transport hubs, and adapted public spaces to handle rising temperatures.
- Tourism taxes: Spain has raised tourism taxes to regulate visitor numbers, directing funds toward sustainability initiatives that help mitigate the environmental impact.
Why It Matters:
Spain’s reliance on sun and beach resorts makes it particularly vulnerable to overtourism and climate change. Without proper adaptation and management, the very resources that attract tourists—beaches, coastal ecosystems, and local culture—will be damaged, resulting in long-term harm to both the environment and the economy.
2. Portugal: The Algarve Region Struggles with Drought and Over-Tourism
The Algarve region of Portugal is well-known for its stunning beaches and thriving tourism industry. However, the region has faced persistent drought conditions, with reservoir levels running critically low, often between 22% and 43% capacity. These conditions, which have been building for years, are compounded by the high demand for water in the tourism sector, particularly during the peak summer season.
Tourism’s Environmental Impact
The Algarve’s growing tourism sector, which relies heavily on beach resorts and golf courses, consumes enormous amounts of water. As drought conditions worsen, this high demand exacerbates water scarcity, straining local resources and ecosystems. The environmental degradation caused by excessive water use, along with other impacts such as waste generation and energy consumption, has begun to affect the region’s fragile ecosystems.
Climate Change Link
Rising temperatures and diminishing rainfall are contributing to the worsening drought conditions in the Algarve. As the climate continues to warm, the region’s already strained resources are further depleted, making it more challenging to sustain the tourism industry without causing harm to the environment.
Government and Tourism Sector Responses:
- In 2025, the Algarve region has implemented a 25% reduction in water consumption for tourism developments, in an attempt to conserve water resources.
- Hotels and resorts in the Algarve now carry a “Save Water” label to promote water conservation among tourists.
- The Portuguese government has pledged €366 million for anti-drought investments in the Algarve, including efforts to improve water reuse and desalination.
Why It Matters:
The Algarve’s dependence on high-volume tourism that relies on water-intensive resorts places it at significant risk from climate stress. If these issues are not addressed, both the environment and the tourism sector will suffer.
3. Caribbean Small Island States: Overcrowding and Climate Vulnerability
Small island developing states (SIDS) in the Caribbean, such as the Bahamas and Barbados, are particularly vulnerable to climate change. These islands face rising sea levels, increased storm frequency, coastal erosion, and coral bleaching—all of which are compounded by the growing demand for tourism.
Tourism’s Environmental Impact
The Caribbean’s reliance on the “sun-sand-sea” tourism model creates a high demand for land, water, and energy. As more resorts are built to accommodate an increasing number of visitors, fragile ecosystems like coral reefs, mangroves, and beaches are under threat. The overcrowding in popular tourist destinations and the high energy and water consumption from resort developments are accelerating the environmental degradation of these ecosystems.
Climate Change Link
Rising sea levels and more frequent hurricanes are already causing damage to the Caribbean’s coastal ecosystems. As coral reefs are being bleached and beaches erode, the islands’ ability to sustain their tourism industry is threatened. The environmental risks posed by climate change are exacerbated by the high volume of visitors, making the islands less attractive to tourists and more vulnerable to economic instability.
Government and Tourism Sector Responses:
- Caribbean governments are increasingly implementing climate resilience initiatives, focusing on emission reductions and disaster resilience in the tourism sector.
- IRENA (International Renewable Energy Agency) is collaborating with Caribbean nations to help them transition to more sustainable tourism models and energy systems to reduce environmental impact.
Why It Matters:
The combination of climate change and high-volume tourism is creating a precarious situation for Caribbean islands. Without sustainable tourism practices, the islands’ eco-tourism sector is at risk of collapsing under the pressures of environmental degradation.
4. Baltic Sea Region: Climate Shifts and Tourism Growth
The Baltic Sea region, which includes countries like Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden, is experiencing climate change impacts such as rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns. These changes are affecting the timing and sustainability of nature-based tourism in the region.
Tourism’s Environmental Impact
As nature-based tourism continues to grow in the Baltic, increased visitor numbers are placing additional pressure on sensitive ecosystems like forests, lakes, and coastlines. The combination of high visitor numbers and climate stress (e.g., rising temperatures and more unpredictable weather) is accelerating the degradation of these natural habitats.
Climate Change Link
The Baltic region is warming, with increased temperatures and more unpredictable weather patterns. These shifts are affecting ecosystems that support nature-based tourism, making them more vulnerable to degradation. Precipitation changes are altering the local environment, which is crucial for maintaining the tourism sector.
Government and Tourism Sector Responses:
- The Baltic Sea region has hosted climate adaptation forums, with a focus on managing tourism impacts on coastal zones.
- Adaptation guidelines have been introduced to address issues like sea-level rise, storms, and visitor flow management.
Why It Matters:
While not traditionally known for sun-and-sea tourism, the Baltic region’s growing nature-based tourism is increasingly vulnerable to climate shifts. Sustainable tourism management is crucial for protecting the region’s fragile ecosystems.
5. Germany: Coastal and Baltic Sea Regions Facing Rising Demand and Environmental Strain
Germany’s coastal and Baltic Sea regions are facing growing tourism demand due to rising temperatures and longer bathing seasons, with projections suggesting an extension of up to 60 days longer by 2100. This increase in visitor numbers puts additional pressure on coastal ecosystems and local infrastructure.
Tourism’s Environmental Impact
The extension of the bathing season is increasing the demand for local infrastructure and resources, leading to greater strain on beaches, wetlands, and dunes. Ecosystem stress from rising visitor numbers, combined with climate-induced changes (e.g., sea-level rise and storm surges), threatens the integrity of Germany’s coastal regions.
Climate Change Link
Sea-level rise and more frequent storms are affecting coastal ecosystems, increasing the risks faced by these areas. Rising temperatures and an extended tourist season only add to the strain, leaving local ecosystems and infrastructure unable to cope.
Government and Tourism Sector Responses:
- Germany has developed a climate change adaptation strategy that focuses on the tourism sector and its impact on coastal areas.
- Sustainable tourism frameworks are being implemented to balance tourism growth with environmental preservation.
Why It Matters:
The dual pressures of tourism growth and climate change are putting Germany’s coastal regions at risk. Managing both factors will be crucial for the long-term sustainability of these destinations.
Key Takeaways: The Intersection of Climate Change and Overtourism
- Spain and Portugal face significant environmental pressures as mass tourism increases water consumption, exacerbates heat waves, and accelerates beach erosion.
- Caribbean islands like the Bahamas and Barbados are particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise, hurricanes, and coral bleaching, while overcrowded resorts exacerbate these risks.
- The Baltic Sea region is experiencing climate shifts that affect tourism patterns, putting additional strain on forests, lakes, and coastlines, leading to ecological degradation.
- Germany’s coastal regions are witnessing longer tourism seasons due to rising temperatures, leading to increased pressure on fragile ecosystems and local infrastructure.
Conclusion: The Need for Sustainable Tourism Practices
As tourism continues to grow, its environmental impact, especially in climate-vulnerable regions, becomes increasingly evident. Overtourism combined with climate change is creating a vicious cycle of environmental degradation, pushing both local ecosystems and tourism industries to their breaking points. Sustainable tourism practices are essential to ensuring that these regions can continue to thrive while protecting their cultural heritage, natural resources, and local communities. Without significant efforts to adapt and manage tourism growth, the very environments that attract tourists could be lost, causing long-term damage to both the environment and the economies dependent on them.
