Last chance tourism: a decade review of a case study on Churchill, Manitoba’s polar bear viewing industry

For over 50 years, Churchill, Manitoba has provided visitors an opportunity to see polar bears in their natural environment. Over the same time period, increase temperatures and related reductions sea ice negatively impacted health of Western Hudson Bay. In 2008, term ‘last chance tourism’ was coined, linking demand travel North with a desire these animals ‘before they are gone’. This creates paradox as tourists require energy-intensive modes transportation reach Arctic, thereby contributing greenhouse gas emissions. paper compares bear viewing industry’s total contribution tourists’ knowledge about climate change results from 2008 study discusses any changes last ten years. During 2018 season, emissions were estimated be 23,017 t/CO2, 2008. The also indicated that although most believe is happening, fewer associate air this — similar finding identified years ago. Findings research show consumption patterns have not changed despite growing awareness its impacts.