A georeferenced Agent-Based Model to analyze the climate change impacts on the Andorra winter tourism

TL;DR

This paper introduces a georeferenced agent-based model to assess climate change impacts on Andorra's ski industry and evaluates snowmaking as an adaptation strategy, aiding stakeholders in sustainable planning.

Contribution

First georeferenced agent-based model for Pyrenees ski industry analyzing climate impacts and snowmaking as adaptation.

Findings

Model identifies vulnerability hotspots in Andorran ski resorts.

Snowmaking can mitigate some climate change impacts on ski tourism.

Provides a decision-support tool for sustainable adaptation strategies.

Abstract

This study presents a georeferenced agent-based model to analyze the climate change impacts on the ski industry in Andorra and the effect of snowmaking as future adaptation strategy. The present study is the first attempt to analyze the ski industry in the Pyrenees region and will contribute to a better understanding of the vulnerability of Andorran ski resorts and the suitability of snowmaking as potential adaptation strategy to climate change. The resulting model can be used as a planning support tool to help local stakeholders understand the vulnerability and potential impacts of climate change. This model can be used in the decision-making process of designing and developing appropriate sustainable adaptation strategies to future climate variability.