Melting Glaciers Attract Tourists, Highlighting Climate Change Challenges
A study co-authored by Rice University anthropologist Cymene Howe, published in Nature Climate Change, explores the increasing attraction of melting glaciers as tourist destinations. These glaciers, now visited by over 14 million tourists annually, have become symbols of climate change, drawing visitors who wish to witness these natural wonders before they vanish. The study highlights the dual role of glaciers as both fragile landscapes and economic engines, creating tensions between conservation efforts and tourism-driven economic benefits. The emotional impact on visitors, who often experience ecological grief, has led to new forms of engagement, such as educational centers and public ceremonies mourning lost glaciers. However, the study warns that tourism-driven adaptation strategies, like expanding infrastructure or increasing helicopter access, may exacerbate environmental degradation and economic inequality. 
