Pathways for adapting tourism to climate change in an urban destination - Evidences based on thermal conditions for the Porto Metropolitan Area (Portugal).

The narrative of sustainable tourism transition in a context of adaptation to climate change is very relevant internationally. The availability and sharing of knowledge and information is a basic requirement for the successful planning of the tourism sector regarding this phenomenon. Planning adaptation in the urban tourism sector is widely regarded as a collectively-based process. However, collaborative planning is far from being the standard. This study reports the results of a Modified Delphi Approach (MDA) among experts about the future of urban tourism in a context of adaptation to climate change in Porto Metropolitan Area (Portugal), considering the outdoor thermal conditions perspective. Using an expert panel, the study gathered their opinions to analyze the degrees of responsibility of the main sectorial entities at different territorial levels, the conditions of action in the transformation agenda and the measures to be implemented in the adaptation and mitigation process - according to priority and time horizon. Two rounds were carried out to apply the methodology between January and April 2021. The first questionnaire had the participation of 47 professionals. 34 out of the 47 professionals of the 1st round participated in the second questionnaire. The evidence from different stakeholders demonstrates that there is an ambiguous process of understanding the problem, information needs, and a weak interaction between actors - resources - tasks. The effectiveness and efficiency of collaborative planning and outlined goals by 2050 for adaptation of urban tourism sector to climate change can be hampered. Experts consider the creation of structural (tangible) measures to be fundamental. Among other results, it was found that most participants consider that the intervention is dependent on the guidelines issued by the government and municipal councils when it comes to defining a proposal for adapting the urban tourism sector to climate change. Despite this, the options for more sustainable practices must be based on three axes: (i) solutions based on the energy sector in the hotel industry (e.g., energy certification, prioritization of the use of renewable energy); (ii) improvement and expansion of green infrastructure for tourist enjoyment [e.g., creation of green areas (small additional pockets), namely in the center of Porto; and pedestrianization of central areas of the city] and (iii) network participation through the collaboration of various stakeholders with relevance in tourism and urban planning.

Impacts of low frequency noise exposure on well-being: a case-study from portugal.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this article is to assess the impacts of low frequency noise, emitted by high-voltage lines and power poles, on the perception of discomfort, comparing two different groups of inhabitants (exposed and unexposed groups) in two areas in the Northwest of Portugal. It proposes a new oriented methodology to assess discomfort due to the low frequency noise. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two predominantly urban areas were used to test the methodology: an "exposed" area with a high presence of the source under study and an "unexposed" area without records of power transmission lines. The research developed included measuring sound levels (in frequency bands from 10 to 160 Hz) with the help of a sound level meter in the two selected urban areas. RESULTS: The real sound coming from the source was recorded and reproduced in an audiometric testing booth to determine the hearing threshold and discomfort of the volunteers. Using the criteria curve developed by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs/University of Salford) in 2011, the results reveal that the sound levels recorded for the "exposed" group were higher than that for the "unexposed" group. The first recording showed an average of 68.9 dB and the second 64.6 dB, resulting in a significant difference of 4.3 dB between the two groups. After an attempt to isolate the source, the difference was 5.6 dB. Regarding the adapted audiometric tests, the real sound was used, which was collected 5 m between the receiver and the source. CONCLUSION: These results provide support that at this distance the noise was considered annoying.