Slippery slope? Alpine tourism in the face of climate crisis - photo essay

Photojournalist Milan Schellingerhout spent 2022 working on a photographic series about the pressure of tourism on the Alps and the extent to which the industry is sustainable, focusing on the large Paradiski area in the French Alps (Les Arcs/Peisey-Vallandry and La Plagne)The Alps, with their picturesque landscapes and diverse range of outdoor activities, are a major destination for tourists from all over the world. Each year, about 120 million people visit the region to experience its natural beauty and participate in activities such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking and cycling. However, this level of tourism has a significant impact on the environment and climate of the region.Residents of the Alps are heavily dependent on tourists for their livelihoods, making it a delicate balancing act between addressing environmental concerns and preserving the interests of the tourism industry. Ski areas in particular have invested millions of euros in efforts to maintain their operations and combat the effects of climate breakdown. Continue reading...