Tourism can threaten wildlife endemic to Caribbean islands, endangering hundreds, if not thousands, of animal and plant species. Cruise ships, which can carry more than 2,000 people, are big contributors to increased pollution in the Caribbean ecosystem. These ships often release their waste into international waters, and it is spread by currents to the islands, according to a report by the University of Miami. This pollution accelerates the destruction of coral reefs, which are endangered.
Tourists in the Caribbean can generate twice as much solid waste per capita as local residents, reports the University of Miami. Often, hotels and the main tourism facilities are located along the coasts, and don't always have efficient sewage treatment. The release of badly treated sewage into the sea not only causes water pollution, but the resulting destruction of the reefs also leads to accelerated beach erosion.
According to the University of Miami, most tourist developments in the Caribbean have caused a certain level of deforestation. Cutting down the natural vegetation, which in many islands includes mangroves, exposes the land to erosion. However, the biggest environmental impact is destruction of several species' habitats and the contribution to global warming.
