Purpose - The purpose of the study is to analyze the phenomenon of climate change as it relates to the hospitality and tourism industry in developing countries. This review specifically analyzes how the industry is responding to the threat of climate change, particularly its response to the 2030 Corporate Agenda for Sustainable Development to combat climate change. The study also examines how the industry can subsequently help in eradicating poverty through its adaptive capacity and sustainable development initiatives to mitigate the impacts of climate change. It likewise addresses the challenges faced by the hospitality and tourism industry regarding equity in implementing the agenda for climate change posed by the Paris Climate Change Agreement/COP21. Design/methodology/approach - Literature review was conducted to garner information which was presented from both a narrative and practical perspective. Findings - Climate change is a real phenomenon and has started to impact the hospitality and tourism industry in developing countries. If not mitigated, the industry and pro-poor tourism efforts will be negatively impacted. Research limitations/implications - The study did not empirically analyze the relationship between climate change and tourism, tourism and poverty, and climate change, tourism, and poverty as well as their relationship to sustainable development. Practical implications - To inform government and industry players of the causes and impacts of climate change and the adaptation and mitigation initiatives. Originality/value - This study addresses the phenomenon of climate change exclusively as it relates to the hospitality and tourism industry in developing countries.