We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Environmental Disasters and Tourism Decline: Lessons for Latin America
AI summary Read the abstract
This review looks at how environmental disasters like Amazon fires, oil spills, and beach plastic pollution are hurting Latin America's tourism industry, causing beach closures, canceled trips, and lost jobs. While this paper focuses on economic impacts rather than direct health effects, it's worth noting that the plastic pollution problem it describes is linked to microplastics ending up in our food and water supply, a growing concern for human health. The researchers suggest solutions like eco-friendly hotel certifications and better water recycling technology to help protect both these natural destinations and the communities that depend on them.
Latin America remains one of the world’s leading naturebased tourism destinations, generating billions of dollars annually for regional economies. However, the increasing frequency of environmental disasters – Amazon rainforest fires, oil spills off the Brazilian coast, plastic pollution on beaches, and the escalating water crisis – is undermining the attractiveness of resorts and ecotrails. This article analyses the main types of environmental disasters and their direct and indirect impacts on various tourism segments (beach, ecotourism, ski, urban). Special attention is paid to recent case studies: the 2019–2020 Amazon basin fires, the 2019 oil spill in Brazil, and the degradation of Caribbean coral reefs. It is shown that the deterioration of natural resources leads to beach closures, tourist cancellations, job losses in the tourism industry, and increased social tensions. Based on the analysis, adaptation measures are formulated: promoting sustainable tourism, ecocertification of hotels, water reuse technologies, and international cooperation under the Paris Agreement. The material may be useful for specialists in tourism, regional development, and environmental protection.
More Papers Like This
The Impact of Plastic Waste on Ecosystems and Human Health and Strategies for Managing It for A Sustainable Environment
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes the broad impact of plastic waste on ecosystems and human health, covering how plastics break down into micro- and nanoplastics that contaminate soil, water, and air. The authors discuss health risks from plastic exposure including respiratory problems, liver damage, and hormonal disruption. The review calls for better waste management, recycling, and policies to reduce plastic pollution as a public health priority.
Plastic Waste in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC): Impact on the Environment and Public Health—A Systematic Review
AI summary Read the abstract
This systematic review examined plastic waste impacts on the environment, aquatic life, and public health in Latin America and the Caribbean, finding significant negative effects across all domains. While many countries are pursuing bans, biodegradable alternatives, and cleanup campaigns, the review calls for more research especially in the Caribbean to guide evidence-based interventions.
Environmental Impact of Plastic Waste: Strategies for Sustainable Management
AI summary Read the abstract
This systematic review summarizes the environmental and health impacts of plastic waste and evaluates strategies for sustainable management. It highlights that plastic pollution threatens ecosystems and human health through microplastic contamination, and examines approaches like recycling, biodegradable alternatives, and policy interventions to reduce exposure.
Ecological Tourism Development in Small Islands: Meta-Analysis of Ecological Resources, Community Welfare, and Community Participation in Sustainability 2019-2024
AI summary Read the abstract
This review of five years of research on island ecotourism finds that when local communities help protect natural areas like mangroves and coastlines, both the environment and residents' well-being benefit. It also flags a growing concern: microplastic pollution is increasingly showing up in these coastal ecosystems, which matters for human health since these plastics can enter the food chain through seafood and eventually end up on our plates. The takeaway is that sustainable, community-led tourism isn't just good for local culture and economies—it's a practical tool for keeping our oceans and food supply cleaner.
Ecological and Socio-Economic Assessment of Ecotourism-Driven Microplastics Pollution at Elegushi Beach, Lagos, Nigeria
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers found that a popular beach in Lagos, Nigeria gets significantly more polluted with tiny plastic particles, toxic metals, and chemical contaminants during peak tourist season—microplastics in sand increased by over 40% in just three months. This matters because these plastic particles and chemicals (including phthalates, which are linked to hormone disruption) can enter the food chain through fish and seafood, eventually ending up on our plates. The study is a reminder that beach tourism, while good for local economies, needs better waste management and regulation to keep both ecosystems and the people who rely on them healthy.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.