The Impact of Tourism on Climate Change: A Comprehensive Examination and Sustainable Travel Tips
Exploring the impact of tourism on climate change and how travelers can make a difference
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, travel has experienced a resurgence, with eager travelers seizing the opportunity to explore the world once again. As you may be deciding where your next holiday destination should be, it is key to understand the environmental consequences your trip may cause and try to adopt sustainable practices to mitigate these effects. This article delves into the relationship between tourism and climate change, offering insights into its environmental consequences and providing tips for more sustainable travel.
The Link Between Tourism and Climate Change
The urgency of addressing climate change is evident. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the remaining carbon budget to limit global temperature warming to below 1.5 degrees Celsius, as outlined in the Paris Agreement, is approximately 400 billion tonnes of CO2.
One major contributor to global climate change is the tourism sector, which is poised for rapid growth in the coming decades. In a business-as-usual scenario, by 2050, tourism-related emissions are projected to increase by a staggering 73%1 compared to 2019 levels. In this trajectory, tourism could consume a staggering 66% of the remaining climate budget between 2023 and 2100.
To avert the consequences of climate change, the world, including the tourism industry, will need to reduce emissions by half by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The question you may be wondering is how could this be possible for us to keep on traveling while achieving our net-zero targets?
The Carbon Footprint of Tourism
Tourism's exponential growth has led to a substantial increase in greenhouse gas emissions. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the tourism sector currently contributes to nearly 8% of global carbon emissions, and this figure is on the rise. To understand the complex web of factors involved, let's go through the major contributors to this carbon footprint:
Aviation Emissions: Air travel is a significant contributor, accounting for a substantial portion of tourism-related emissions. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that the aviation industry is responsible for between 2-3% of global CO2 emissions. Long-haul flights, in particular, have a profound impact on the environment due to the energy-intensive nature of air travel.
Energy-Intensive Accommodations: While hotels and resorts offer luxurious experiences for tourists, they often consume vast amounts of energy for heating, cooling, lighting, and operating amenities. Many of these establishments still rely on fossil fuels, making the transition to energy-efficient accommodations a vital step in reducing emissions.
Transportation at the Destination: Tourists frequently rely on fossil-fuel-powered transportation, such as rental cars and tour buses, when exploring their destinations. These vehicles contribute significantly to the carbon footprint of a tourist's journey.
Waste Generation: The tourism industry generates a substantial amount of waste, including plastic waste. The improper disposal of waste, especially in fragile ecosystems, contributes to environmental degradation and harms wildlife.
Addressing the Challenge
Efforts have been made to unite the tourism sector behind climate action. The Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, launched at COP26, commits to halving CO2 emissions by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. This declaration aims to provide consistent global support and guidance for stakeholders in the travel and tourism industry to develop practical climate action plans.
In order to understand how can we achieve our net-zero goals, the "Envisioning Tourism in 2030" assessed different decarbonization scenarios looking into the use of carbon offsets, technology, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), taxes and subsidies. The graph below shows the required trajectory (in red) to achieve our net-zero goals in contrast with the business-as-usual trajectory (in grey). This graph highlights the challenge we are facing as emissions related to tourism will continue rising if no drastic measures are taken.
Notes: The amount of CO2 emissions in metric ton is displayed on the y-axis. “Acco” stands for accommodation.
The report suggests the following measures to achieving our goals and changing the status quo. This plan of action would be the only way, according to the report, to actually achieving our net-zero goals.
Alternative Fuels & Energy Sources: This plan would involve a transition to full electric transport and a shift to 100% renewable electricity for accommodation, cars, and other transport modes.
Technology: A continuous improvements in energy efficiency for various modes of transportation and accommodation would be needed. Electric aircraft using hydrogen fuel cells are expected but shall have a significant impact only after 2050.
Infrastructure Policies: A substantial investments in high-speed rail networks for the next 40-50 years would be needed, along with a policy to limit airport slot capacity growth.
Travel Speed Developments: Changing speed limits for transportation modes could also lead to emissions reductions.
Taxes and Subsidies: Taxes and subsidies could influence travel choices and modal shifts. Aviation emissions could be primarily reduced through the e-fuel mandates.
Travel Behavior: New marketing strategies should aim at changing travelers' behavior by reducing the psychological value of distance and encouraging longer stays without increasing trip frequency.
Offsetting: Offsetting is also considered as an option to reduce the impact of tourism although the measures above are considered to be the top-priority.
This report shows us that there is an urgent need for us to rethink the way we travel and take action to limit our environmental footprint. Based on this information, here are a few actions individuals and businesses can take to limit their impact and reduce their carbon footprint.
Sustainable Travel Tips
Choose Green Transportation: Whenever possible, opt for more sustainable modes of transport, such as trains or buses, over long-haul flights. Explore your country and nearby destinations. You may be surprised to find beautiful places close to your home you had never been to.
Prefer Eco-Friendly Accommodations: Prioritize eco-certified hotels and lodges that place sustainability at the core of their operations. These establishments often implement energy-efficient practices, waste reduction, and responsible sourcing.
Increase your Trip’s Length: Consider traveling less often but for longer durations. This will lower your impact and give you the chance to spend more time at your destination. This could also be the opportunity to take a bus or a train instead of a plane (when feasible).
Respect Local Ecosystems: Follow responsible tourism practices, such as staying on designated trails, not disturbing wildlife, and using reef-safe sunscreen to protect fragile ecosystems.
Eat Local and Seasonal: Enjoy local cuisine and support restaurants that prioritize sourcing local and seasonable ingredients. This not only reduces your carbon footprint but also supports local communities.
Offset Your Carbon Emissions: Consider investing in carbon offset programs that fund renewable energy projects or reforestation efforts to counterbalance your travel emissions. You should of course prioritize all the steps above before offsetting your emissions. Not taking a flight is better than taking one and then offsetting your emissions.
Conclusion
Tourism undoubtedly contributes to climate change and environmental degradation, but with informed choices and responsible actions, travelers can minimize their impact. By selecting sustainable travel options, supporting eco-friendly businesses, and practicing responsible tourism, we can continue to explore the world.
Remember, every small change in our travel habits can collectively make a substantial difference in the fight against climate change.
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https://www.thetravelfoundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/EnvisionTourism_Full_FINAL.pdf