Facing Vanishing Landscapes Through Ethical Last-Chance Tourism French writer Cédric Duroux once stood on a mountain in Iceland, surrounded by scattered ice. A guide told him the entire area used to be a glacier. That powerful moment revealed the urgency of climate change and inspired him to explore ethical last-chance tourism — a way of visiting disappearing places responsibly. Duroux had joined a trip to Ok, once home to the Okjokull glacier. For him, the experience became a turning point – a personal connection to the loss of nature. What Is Ethical Last-Chance Tourism and Why Does It Matter? “Last-chance tourism” describes journeys to places that may soon disappear due to climate change. These include melting glaciers, sinking islands, or coral reefs at risk. Critics warn that travelling long distances to fragile ecosystems can worsen their decline. Yet, supporters argue that if done responsibly, these trips can spark awareness and action. Growing Demand for Ethical Last-Chance Tourism Destinations Tourism has surged in vulnerable areas. Iceland, for example, now welcomes half a million visitors annually for glacier tours. Studies show nearly half of them come specifically to “see it before it melts.” But mass tourism can harm the very places it seeks to celebrate. Coral reefs in Australia and Indonesia have suffered bleaching and damage. Venice struggles with overtourism, while Antarctica faces risks from invasive species. The Emotional Side of Last-Chance Travel Researchers highlight that travellers often feel a mix of joy and grief when visiting these sites. This “climate grief” can inspire stronger environmental awareness, but it does not always lead to long-term action. Experts suggest that guides and park managers play a key role in helping tourists channel these emotions into positive change. How to Travel Responsibly To practise ethical last-chance tourism, travellers should ask three questions: Case Study: Antarctica Tourism in Antarctica has more than doubled since 2019. Expeditions are expensive and carbon-heavy, yet some companies reduce impacts. Guides recommend choosing operators in the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). These groups limit landings, avoid stressed ecosystems, and encourage travellers to collect valuable scientific data. Case Study: The Great Barrier Reef In Australia, reef guides use tourism to educate visitors. Longer visits, with proper snorkelling or diving preparation, allow travellers to connect deeply with the reef. Operators that employ marine biologists, monitor reefs weekly, and run citizen science projects make tourism more sustainable. Tourists can directly contribute to reef data collection. Turning Grief into Action Psychologists have documented “reef grief,” showing how even first-time visitors mourn the loss of coral. While sadness can be heavy, it can also motivate meaningful climate-friendly behaviour. Duroux, inspired by Iceland, later organised a climate change festival in France. He believes emotional experiences should spark responsibility. “Feeling sad is not enough,” he explained. “We must act.”

The Deeper Significance of the Japanese Use of Umbrellas In many parts of the world, umbrellas are practical tools meant to block rain or shield against intense sunlight. But in Japan, their use—especially on sunny days—carries profound spiritual and cultural weight. So, why do the Japanese use umbrellas when it’s sunny? The answer stretches far beyond simple sun protection. Umbrellas in Japanese Culture as Spiritual Gateways In Japanese culture, umbrellas are more than just weather gear—they are regarded as yorishiro, or objects capable of attracting spiritual entities. This belief stems from Shinto animism, where it is thought that spirits can inhabit not only natural elements but also everyday objects, especially those used with care over time. Traditional Japanese umbrellas—especially the circular wagasa made of bamboo and paper—mirror the shape of the human soul. Their round canopy is believed to represent completeness, while the central handle resembles a hashira or pillar, symbolizing a bridge between the human and spiritual realms. How the Spiritual Role of Umbrellas in Japan Evolved Over Time Umbrellas first appeared in Japan between the 9th and 11th centuries, but they were not used for practical purposes like shielding from rain or sun. Instead, they were symbols of nobility and divine protection, often seen above high-ranking political or religious leaders. Attendants would carry long-handled umbrellas, known as sashikake-gasa, over the heads of elites during processions and ceremonies. By the 12th century, umbrella use had slowly extended to the general public. Yet their spiritual symbolism remained strong, intertwining practicality with sacred tradition. Festivals That Showcase the Sacred Umbrella Several traditional festivals in Japan continue to reflect the umbrella’s spiritual power: 1. Yasurai Matsuri – Warding Off Illness Held each April in Kyoto, this ancient festival features elaborately adorned umbrellas believed to absorb illness and misfortune. Participants pass beneath them in hopes of spiritual purification and protection from disease. 2. Hakata Dontaku Festival – Blessings in the Breeze In Fukuoka, each May, large umbrella-like floats called kasaboko are paraded through the streets. Locals believe that walking beneath them brings good health and prosperity. 3. Obon in Okinoshima – Honoring Ancestors with Umbrellas During the Obon festival on Okinoshima Island in August, residents create colorful umbrella structures to house the spirits of their departed loved ones. Every second year, these umbrellas are danced around a central stage to guide the spirits back to the afterlife. Umbrellas in Japanese Folklore Umbrellas also play a role in Japanese folklore. One of the most iconic supernatural figures is the kasa-yokai, or umbrella ghost. This spirit often appears as a tattered old umbrella with a single eye and a long tongue. According to Japanese belief, even inanimate objects—if cherished long enough—can develop a soul. When these objects are discarded, their spirits may become mischievous or even vengeful. A Craft Honored Through Time Today, travelers can experience the magic of traditional Japanese umbrellas through workshops and exhibitions dedicated to preserving this ancient craft. The making of wagasa is a meticulous process involving hand-cut bamboo, washi paper, and intricate oil treatments to weatherproof the umbrella. These pieces are not only functional but also revered as artistic expressions of Japanese spirituality. More Than Just Shade So, why do the Japanese use umbrellas when it’s sunny? The reasons are deeply rooted in centuries-old beliefs and customs. Whether protecting oneself from UV rays or symbolically shielding the spirit, umbrellas in Japan represent a unique blend of practicality, artistry, and sacred significance. They are silent reminders that even the most ordinary objects can carry extraordinary meaning.