Here comes the sun, and I say… it's probably not alright

As we are finally able to pop our winter jackets away for the spring (hopefully), it's hard not to notice the subtle shifts in our climate year on year – not only in the UK but across the globe and in our favourite holiday destinations.

Recently, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology published a study in the Journal of Climate which delves into the future of what it terms "outdoor days" – defined as 24-hour windows characterised by pleasant temperatures suitable enough to enjoy outdoor activities (though winter sports don’t count). This report suggests that a limited number of “outdoor days” is likely to impact where travellers decide to go.

In the next 75 years, the UK could see a significant increase in these outdoor days, a prospect that might lead to fewer complaints from Brits but raises serious concerns for countries elsewhere. Regions in the southern hemisphere, the tropics, Southern Europe, and parts of the US may face a starkly different reality. The study suggests a potential 50% decrease in temperate weather throughout the year by 2100 in these areas, where climates are already hot and increasingly unpredictable.

The implications are staggering and will have a particular impact economically for those destinations that are so heavily reliant on tourism. Weather remains a crucial factor in travellers’ holiday decisions. Though often overlooked in conventional travel trend reports, weather is poised to claim the spotlight as climate change reshapes beloved destinations. Reports like this make stark reading and bring the effects of climate change home, making a complex issue feel very real and somewhat digestible. It can be beneficial to see more of these kinds of reports, and I hope they help move the conversation along.

Though a small part of a much larger issue, one message reverberates loud and clear: climate action-planning cannot be relegated to the sidelines and must become a central focus for all destinations and the brands operating within them.