Welcome to our IELTS Reading practice session focused on the “Impact of Climate Change on Tourism.” This topic is increasingly relevant in today’s world and often appears in IELTS exams. As an experienced IELTS instructor, I’ve designed this practice test to help you prepare for the Reading section while exploring this crucial subject.
IELTS Reading Test
Passage 1 – Easy Text
Climate change is having a profound impact on the global tourism industry. As temperatures rise and weather patterns become more unpredictable, popular tourist destinations are experiencing significant changes. Coastal areas, in particular, are facing challenges due to rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events.
Many beach resorts are seeing their shorelines erode, while ski resorts are grappling with reduced snowfall. These changes are not only affecting the natural beauty that attracts tourists but also the economic viability of many tourism-dependent communities.
The carbon footprint of tourism itself is substantial, contributing to the very problem it faces. Air travel, a key component of international tourism, is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. This has led to increased calls for more sustainable travel options and eco-friendly tourism practices.
Adapting to these changes, some destinations are diversifying their offerings. For example, ski resorts are promoting summer activities like hiking and mountain biking. Coastal areas are focusing on cultural attractions to complement their beach offerings. However, for some locations, the changes may be too severe to overcome, leading to a potential decline in visitor numbers.
Questions 1-5
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage? Write
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
- Climate change is having a minor effect on the tourism industry.
- Coastal areas are more affected by climate change than inland areas.
- The tourism industry contributes to climate change through air travel.
- All ski resorts are closing due to reduced snowfall.
- Some tourist destinations are adapting by offering new activities.
Questions 6-10
Complete the sentences below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- Beach resorts are experiencing __ of their shorelines due to climate change.
- The __ of tourism is contributing to climate change.
- There are increasing demands for more __ in the tourism industry.
- Some destinations are __ their offerings to adapt to climate change.
- For some locations, climate change may lead to a __ in the number of visitors.
Passage 2 – Medium Text
The impact of climate change on tourism is not uniform across the globe. Different regions are experiencing varied effects, leading to a complex landscape of challenges and opportunities in the tourism sector.
In tropical regions, rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are altering ecosystems that are crucial for tourism. The Great Barrier Reef in Australia, for instance, has suffered from coral bleaching due to warmer ocean temperatures, threatening its status as a prime tourist attraction. Similarly, rainforests in South America and Southeast Asia are facing increased risks of wildfires and changes in biodiversity, potentially diminishing their appeal to eco-tourists.
Arctic and sub-Arctic regions are among the most drastically affected areas. The rapid melting of sea ice is changing the landscape and ecosystems that tourists come to observe. While this has led to increased accessibility for cruise ships in some areas, it also threatens the very attractions that draw visitors, such as polar bear habitats and traditional Inuit cultures.
Mediterranean countries, long popular for their sunny beaches and historic sites, are grappling with heatwaves and water scarcity. These conditions not only make some destinations less comfortable for tourists but also increase the risk of wildfires, which can devastate tourist areas and historic sites.
Mountainous regions worldwide are experiencing significant changes. As glaciers retreat, not only does it affect the aesthetic appeal of these areas, but it also impacts activities like skiing and mountaineering. Some Alpine ski resorts are investing in artificial snow-making equipment, but this is a costly and energy-intensive solution that may not be sustainable in the long term.
Small island nations, particularly in the Caribbean and Pacific, face existential threats from rising sea levels. Beach erosion, damage to coral reefs, and more intense hurricanes are already impacting tourism in these regions. Some islands are exploring innovative solutions, such as building artificial islands or investing in climate-resilient infrastructure.
The tourism industry is also seeing shifts in travel patterns. Shoulder seasons are extending in many places as milder temperatures make spring and autumn more attractive for travel. This could help distribute tourist numbers more evenly throughout the year, potentially easing pressure on destinations during peak seasons.
Questions 11-15
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
-
According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as an effect of climate change on tropical regions?
A) Coral bleaching
B) Changes in rainforest biodiversity
C) Increased snowfall
D) Risk of wildfires -
The melting of sea ice in Arctic regions has:
A) Only negative impacts on tourism
B) Only positive impacts on tourism
C) Both positive and negative impacts on tourism
D) No impact on tourism -
Mediterranean countries are facing challenges due to:
A) Overcrowding
B) Heatwaves and water scarcity
C) Political instability
D) Economic recession -
Alpine ski resorts are responding to climate change by:
A) Closing down
B) Focusing only on summer activities
C) Using artificial snow-making equipment
D) Reducing ticket prices -
The passage suggests that climate change might lead to:
A) A complete halt of tourism in all affected areas
B) An even distribution of tourists throughout the year
C) Increased tourism in all regions
D) The end of international travel
Questions 16-20
Complete the summary below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Climate change is affecting tourism differently across the globe. In tropical regions, (16) __ is threatening attractions like the Great Barrier Reef. Arctic areas are seeing rapid (17) __, which changes the landscape tourists come to see. Mediterranean countries are dealing with (18) __ and water shortages. Mountainous regions are experiencing (19) __, affecting activities like skiing. Small island nations face (20) __ from rising sea levels, impacting their tourism industry significantly.
Passage 3 – Hard Text
The intricate relationship between climate change and tourism presents a paradoxical challenge for policymakers and industry leaders. While tourism contributes significantly to global economies, it also plays a substantial role in exacerbating climate change, creating a feedback loop that threatens its own sustainability.
The tourism sector accounts for approximately 8% of global carbon emissions, with transportation, particularly aviation, being the primary contributor. The carbon intensity of tourism is increasing as travel becomes more accessible and frequent, especially with the rise of budget airlines and the growing middle class in developing countries. This increase in tourism-related emissions occurs at a time when many nations are striving to reduce their carbon footprint to meet international climate agreements.
Simultaneously, the tourism industry is highly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Biodiversity loss, altered landscapes, and extreme weather events directly impact the attractiveness and viability of many destinations. The economic implications are profound, particularly for countries where tourism represents a significant portion of GDP. Small island developing states (SIDS), for instance, face a double jeopardy: they are among the most tourism-dependent economies and also the most susceptible to climate change impacts like sea-level rise and intensified tropical storms.
The concept of “last chance tourism” has emerged as a controversial trend. This phenomenon involves travelers visiting destinations they believe are at risk of disappearing due to climate change, such as glaciers, coral reefs, or endangered species habitats. While this trend can raise awareness about climate change, it also contributes to the very problem it highlights, creating an ethical dilemma for both tourists and destination managers.
Adapting to these challenges requires a multifaceted approach. The tourism industry is increasingly focusing on sustainability initiatives, including carbon offset programs, investment in renewable energy, and the promotion of eco-friendly practices. However, critics argue that these measures are often insufficient and may lead to “greenwashing” – the practice of making misleading claims about environmental benefits.
Technological innovations offer some promise in mitigating tourism’s climate impact. Electric aircraft for short-haul flights, sustainable aviation fuels, and high-speed rail networks as alternatives to air travel are being developed and implemented. However, the scale and speed of adoption required to make a significant impact remain challenging.
The concept of “regenerative tourism” is gaining traction as an alternative to traditional models. This approach aims not just to minimize negative impacts but to actively contribute to the restoration and enhancement of local environments and communities. It involves reimagining tourism as a tool for positive change, integrating practices that sequester carbon, restore ecosystems, and support local sustainable development.
Policymakers face the complex task of balancing economic interests with environmental concerns. Measures such as carbon taxes on air travel, restrictions on cruise ships in sensitive areas, and incentives for sustainable tourism development are being considered and implemented in various regions. However, these policies often face resistance from industry stakeholders concerned about potential economic losses.
As climate change continues to reshape the global landscape, the future of tourism will likely involve significant transformations. Destinations may need to diversify their economies to reduce reliance on climate-sensitive tourism. Travel patterns may shift, with a potential increase in domestic and regional tourism as long-haul travel becomes more expensive or less desirable due to its environmental impact.
The COVID-19 pandemic has added another layer of complexity to this issue, temporarily reducing global tourism and its associated emissions but also highlighting the economic vulnerabilities of tourism-dependent regions. As the industry recovers, there is an opportunity to “build back better” by integrating more sustainable and resilient practices.
In conclusion, addressing the impact of climate change on tourism – and vice versa – requires a delicate balance of innovation, policy intervention, and shifts in consumer behavior. The future of global tourism will depend on its ability to adapt to and mitigate climate change, potentially transforming into a more sustainable and regenerative industry in the process.
Questions 21-26
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
-
According to the passage, what percentage of global carbon emissions does the tourism sector account for?
A) 5%
B) 8%
C) 10%
D) 15% -
What does the passage identify as the primary contributor to tourism’s carbon emissions?
A) Accommodation
B) Food and beverage
C) Transportation, especially aviation
D) Tourist activities at destinations -
The concept of “last chance tourism” is described in the passage as:
A) A solution to climate change
B) A trend that raises awareness but also contributes to the problem
C) A marketing strategy by tourism companies
D) A government policy to protect endangered destinations -
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a technological innovation to mitigate tourism’s climate impact?
A) Electric aircraft
B) Sustainable aviation fuels
C) High-speed rail networks
D) Solar-powered cruise ships -
The passage suggests that “regenerative tourism” aims to:
A) Maximize profits for tourism businesses
B) Increase the number of tourists visiting a destination
C) Actively contribute to environmental and community restoration
D) Promote luxury travel experiences -
According to the passage, how has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the tourism-climate change issue?
A) It has permanently solved the problem of tourism-related emissions
B) It has had no impact on tourism and climate change
C) It has temporarily reduced emissions but highlighted economic vulnerabilities
D) It has increased long-haul travel and associated emissions
Questions 27-33
Complete the summary below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
The relationship between climate change and tourism creates a (27) __ for industry leaders and policymakers. Tourism contributes significantly to global (28) __, but also plays a role in worsening climate change. The industry is vulnerable to climate change effects such as (29) __ and extreme weather events. Small island developing states face a (30) __ as they are highly dependent on tourism and susceptible to climate impacts.
To address these challenges, the industry is focusing on (31) __, although critics argue these may lead to “greenwashing.” The concept of (32) __ aims to use tourism as a tool for positive change. Policymakers are considering measures like (33) __ on air travel, but these often face resistance from stakeholders concerned about economic losses.
Questions 34-40
Do the following statements agree with the claims of the writer in the reading passage? Write
YES if the statement agrees with the claims of the writer
NO if the statement contradicts the claims of the writer
NOT GIVEN if it is impossible to say what the writer thinks about this
- The carbon intensity of tourism is decreasing as travel becomes more accessible.
- Small island developing states are among the most vulnerable to both climate change impacts and economic dependence on tourism.
- Sustainability initiatives in the tourism industry are universally successful in mitigating climate change impacts.
- High-speed rail networks are being developed as an alternative to air travel for some routes.
- Regenerative tourism focuses solely on environmental restoration without considering local communities.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has created an opportunity for the tourism industry to adopt more sustainable practices.
- The future of global tourism will likely involve significant changes in travel patterns and destination management.
Answer Key
Passage 1
- FALSE
- NOT GIVEN
- TRUE
- FALSE
- TRUE
- erode
- carbon footprint
- sustainable travel options
- diversifying
- decline
Passage 2
- C
- C
- B
- C
- B
- coral bleaching
- melting of sea ice
- heatwaves
- glacier retreat
- existential threats
Passage 3
- B
- C
- B
- D
- C
- C
- paradoxical challenge
- carbon emissions
- biodiversity loss
- double jeopardy
- sustainability initiatives
- regenerative tourism
- carbon taxes
- NO
- YES
- NO
- YES
- NO
- YES
- YES
Conclusion
This IELTS Reading practice test on the “Impact of Climate Change on Tourism” covers a range of aspects related to this complex and timely issue. It demonstrates how climate change affects different regions and types of tourism, as well as the industry’s role in contributing to climate change. The passages progress from easier to more challenging texts, mirroring the structure of the actual IELTS Reading test.
Remember to practice time management when attempting these questions, as you would in the real exam. Pay close attention to keywords and phrases in both the passages and questions. Developing your skimming and scanning skills will be crucial for success in the IELTS Reading section.
For more practice on IELTS Reading and other components of the test, check out our related articles:
Keep practicing and stay informed about global issues like climate change, as they are likely to appear in various forms throughout the IELTS exam.