Climate and tourism in Karpacz, the challenge of urban resilience - News

September 11, 2026 - 06:26

Local leaders and policy experts gathered in the Polish mountain town of Karpacz this week to address the growing strain that climate change and mass tourism place on small communities. The panel, held during the 35th Karpacz Economic Forum, focused on how popular destinations can build resilience without losing the character that draws visitors in the first place.

Karpacz, a gateway to the Karkonosze Mountains, has seen visitor numbers climb steadily in recent years. Warmer winters have shortened ski seasons, while hotter summers push more travelers toward cooler alpine regions. That shift puts pressure on water supplies, waste systems, and housing for residents. At the same time, local budgets must stretch further to maintain trails, roads, and emergency services.

Speakers noted that resilience is not only about infrastructure. It also requires coordinated planning between municipal governments, park authorities, and tourism operators. Ideas discussed included seasonal visitor caps, better public transit links, and investment in green spaces that absorb heat and runoff.

The conversation highlighted a difficult balance. Tourism supports jobs and small businesses, but unchecked growth can erode the very environment people come to enjoy. For towns like Karpacz, the path forward depends on decisions made now, before the pressures become unmanageable.