$10,000 Arctic cruises highlight the pros and cons of global warming

The cruise industry in the Arctic highlights a paradox, The Washington Post reports. Climate change has made Arctic navigation easier, fueling a surge in Arctic cruises costing upwards of $10,000. But at the same time it’s eroding the fragile landscapes that visitors pay to see.

• Many travelers feel conflicted, appreciating the spectacular scenery  while acknowledging that tourism itself contributes to global warming. “I might be the last generation that gets to see this,” said Melanie Weber, who saved for five years for an Arctic cruise.
• Svalbard has become a bustling departure point for Arctic cruises, with visitors nearly doubling since 2016 – despite its remote location. Tourists seek intimate wildlife encounters, especially with polar bears, hoping to witness these species before climate impacts alter their habitats irreversibly.
• By the end of this year, around 500 cruise ships will have docked in Longyearbyen, the main settlement — almost twice as many as in 2016. The ships range from boutique vessels with 12 berths to major ocean liners with 14 decks levels and space for 3,000 passengers.
• Cruise operators tout their eco-conscious efforts, such as fuel bans and minimizing waste, Despite these measures, the carbon footprint remains high, with the industry marketing experiences as sustainable while scientists observe glaciers and sea ice shrinking at alarming rates.