Podnebna kriza in njen vpliv na skupnost ter turizem v destinaciji Šmarju pri Jelšah

Podnebne spremembe že danes močno zaznamujejo vsakdan številnih skupnosti po svetu – tudi pri nas, v Šmarju pri Jelšah. Dolgotrajne poletne suše, nenadni in močni nalivi, toča, vročinski valovi in spremenjena sezonskost so realnost, ki vpliva tako na kakovost življenja prebivalcev kot na gospodarsko delovanje lokalnega okolja – zlasti turizma, ki je občutljiv na vremenske in naravne pogoje.

Zaradi podnebnih sprememb se podaljšuje rastna sezona, a obenem vse bolj primanjkuje vode, izpostavljenost ekstremnim vremenskim pojavom se povečuje, proizvodnja hrane in stabilnost oskrbovalnih verig pa postajata negotovi. Naša destinacija se zato že sooča z izzivi, kot so:

• pomanjkanje surovin,
• slabša dobava lokalnih izdelkov,
• manj lokalnih pridelkov,
• spremembe v biotski raznovrstnosti,
• pogostejši naravni pojavi (suše, toče, nalivi, poplave),
• ter onesnaževanje okolja in posledično zmanjšana kakovost bivanja.

Turizem je v občini Šmarje pri Jelšah pomemben del lokalnega razvoja, saj temelji na kakovosti narave, krajine, podeželskega okolja ter lokalne kulinarike. Prav ti elementi pa so med najbolj ranljivimi v luči podnebnih sprememb. Turistična ponudba postaja manj predvidljiva, kulinarična doživetja so zaradi manj lokalnih pridelkov manj avtentična, vreme pa vse pogosteje kroji obiskanost dogodkov in možnosti za izvajanje aktivnosti na prostem.

Kaj o tem menijo turistični ponudniki?

V okviru anketiranja, ki je bilo izvedeno med turističnimi podjetji v Šmarju pri Jelšah, so bila zbrana mnenja o zavedanju in pripravljenosti na podnebne izzive. Rezultati kažejo:

• 30,8 % ponudnikov se v polnosti zaveda vpliva podnebnih sprememb na turizem v občini.
• 30,8 % jih meni, da se zavedajo, vendar še niso v celoti pripravljeni in imajo možnost napredka.
• 30,8 % turističnih podjetij o tem razmišlja, vendar ukrepi še niso sistematično vključeni v njihove poslovne prakse.
• Le 7,7 % jih o tem sploh ne razmišlja.
• Nihče ni označil, da bi bila ta tema za njih nepomembna.

Ta razmeroma visoka raven zavedanja kaže, da se turistični sektor vse bolj zaveda resnosti situacije, vendar še potrebuje dodatne vsebine, podporo in usmerjanje za konkretne ukrepe.

Občina Šmarje pri Jelšah je v zadnjih letih okrepila prizadevanja za vključevanje prilagajanja na podnebne spremembe v razvojne politike. V sodelovanju z Zavodom za turizem, šport in mladino (TŠM) se izvajajo naslednji ukrepi:

• ozaveščevalne kampanje (članki, delavnice, brošure),
• vključevanje prebivalcev in šol v tematike trajnostnega razvoja,
• spodbujanje trajnostne mobilnosti (izposoja koles, javni prevoz, Prostofer),
• energetska sanacija javnih stavb in spodbude za prehod na obnovljive vire,
• vključevanje podjetij v postopno prilagajanje podnebnim vplivom,
• načrtovanje bolj odporne infrastrukture (npr. več senčenja, učinkovitejša raba vode).

Ti ukrepi predstavljajo pomemben korak k večji odpornosti destinacije, vendar so učinkoviti le, če jih podpre celotna skupnost – prebivalci, podjetniki in obiskovalci.

Zaradi obsežnosti in dolgotrajnosti podnebne krize ni dovolj, da ukrepa zgolj občina ali posamezne ustanove – v procese se morajo vključiti vsi deležniki. Vsak posameznik lahko s svojimi odločitvami prispeva k manjšemu ogljičnemu odtisu: z izbiro lokalnih izdelkov, uporabo trajnostnega prevoza, varčevanjem z energijo in vodo ter z izbiro ponudnikov, ki delujejo okolju prijazno.

Smo destinacija, ki se zaveda pomena zelene preobrazbe. Šmarje pri Jelšah ima potencial, da postane zgled podnebno odporne in odgovorne lokalne skupnosti – če bomo stopili skupaj.

The Climate Crisis and Its Impact on the Community and Tourism in the Destination of Šmarje pri Jelšah

Climate change is already significantly shaping the daily lives of communities around the world – including here in Šmarje pri Jelšah. Prolonged summer droughts, sudden and heavy downpours, hail, heatwaves, and shifting seasons are a reality that affects both the quality of life for residents and the economic functioning of the local environment – especially tourism, which is highly sensitive to weather and natural conditions.

Due to climate change, the growing season is extending, but at the same time, water is becoming increasingly scarce, exposure to extreme weather events is rising, and food production and supply chain stability are becoming more uncertain. Our destination is therefore already facing challenges such as:

• shortage of raw materials,
• reduced availability of local products,
• lower yields of local crops,
• changes in biodiversity,
• more frequent natural events (droughts, hail, downpours, floods),
• and environmental pollution, resulting in reduced quality of life.

Tourism is an important part of local development in the Municipality of Šmarje pri Jelšah, relying on the quality of nature, landscapes, rural settings, and local cuisine. These elements are among the most vulnerable in light of climate change. The tourism offer is becoming less predictable, culinary experiences are less authentic due to fewer local ingredients, and weather increasingly affects attendance at events and the feasibility of outdoor activities.

What do tourism providers think?

A survey conducted among tourism businesses in Šmarje pri Jelšah gathered opinions on their awareness of and preparedness for climate challenges. The results show:

• 8% of providers are fully aware of the impact of climate change on tourism in the municipality.
• 8% are aware but acknowledge room for improvement.
• 8% are thinking about the issue, but have not yet systematically integrated it into their business practices.
• Only 7.7% are not considering it at all.
• None stated that the issue was irrelevant to them.

This relatively high level of awareness shows that the tourism sector is increasingly recognizing the seriousness of the situation but still needs additional information, support, and guidance to take concrete action.

What is the municipality doing?

In recent years, the Municipality of Šmarje pri Jelšah has intensified its efforts to integrate climate adaptation into its development policies. In cooperation with the Institute for Tourism, Sport and Youth (TŠM), the following measures are being implemented:

• awareness campaigns (articles, workshops, brochures),
• engaging residents and schools in sustainable development topics,
• promoting sustainable mobility (bike rental, public transport, Prostofer volunteer transport service),
• energy renovation of public buildings and incentives for the transition to renewable energy sources,
• involving businesses in gradual adaptation to climate impacts,
• planning more resilient infrastructure (e.g. increased shading, more efficient water use).

These measures represent important steps toward building a more climate-resilient destination. However, they can only be truly effective if supported by the entire community – residents, entrepreneurs, and visitors alike.

A shared responsibility

Because of the scale and long-term nature of the climate crisis, it is not enough for just the municipality or individual institutions to act – all stakeholders must be involved. Every individual can contribute to reducing their carbon footprint: by choosing local products, using sustainable transportation, conserving energy and water, and supporting environmentally friendly providers.

We are a destination that understands the importance of a green transition. Šmarje pri Jelšah has the potential to become a model of a climate-resilient and responsible local community – if we act together.