Tourism Impact on Climate Change
The Carbon Footprint of Global Tourism
The world is starting to wake up to climate change and its negative impact on our planet can no longer be ignored.
The harmful effects are becoming more obvious and the consequences more severe.
The time for climate action is now.
We’re ALL impacted by climate change.
Climate Change:
Global or regional shifts in the average temperature and weather patterns as a result of human activity or natural changes that cause the release of greenhouse gases.
There’s an urgent need to address the challenges of climate change and reduce the global carbon footprint of tourism.
With an expected 1.8 BILLION international travelers by 2030 according to UNWTO, the demand for action cannot be any greater.
As travelers, we need to make an effort to reduce our carbon footprints and hold the tourism industry accountable to do better.
The carbon footprint of tourism accounts for over 8% of global emissions.
What’s a carbon footprint?
A carbon footprint is a measure of the greenhouse gases (primarily carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide) released into the Earth’s atmosphere from our individual actions or many other ways such as manufacturing, transportation, agriculture, and electricity production.
Without climate action, tourism could see an increase in emissions of more than 25% by 2030 compared to 2016 according to UNWTO.
2018 Carbon Footprint of Global Tourism by Sector
Information provided by Sustainabletravel.org
49% Transportation
12% Goods
10% Food/Beverage
8% Agriculture
6% Accommodation
8% Services
6% Mines/Construction
1% Other
Climate Action or Climate Catastrophe
The devastating and often irreversible effects of climate change are becoming more real.
Without the drastic reduction of global carbon emissions, the consequences of climate inaction are going to become more severe.
Unfortunately, it is those who contribute the least to climate change who are impacted the most. The least developed countries, island nations, indigenous communities, and threatened species of the world are paying the price.
Inaction is no longer an option.
1. Loss of Sea Ice and Shrinking Glaciers
Glaciers hold about 70% of the Earth’s freshwater. As they melt it causes sea levels to rise and are retreating at significant rates while some have already disappeared. Loss of sea ice contributes to shoreline erosion, a threat to local wildlife, and has accelerated an increase in temperatures contributing to disturbances in global weather patterns.
2. desertification
Desert regions are getting hotter and drier resulting in extreme land degradation. Unsustainable practices such as overgrazing, poor farming techniques, and deforestation have contributed to biodiversity loss, food insecurity, and a decrease in water.
3. Rising Sea Levels and Temperatures
When greenhouse gases trap energy from the sun the oceans absorb most of this heat causing an increase in sea surface temperatures and a rise in sea level. Some of the excess carbon dioxide will be absorbed and will dissolve in the sea leading to a more acidic PH. This all causes serious strain on marine ecosystems and may lead to altered climate patterns around the world.
4. Biodiversity Loss
Vital ecosystems are significantly impacted and are essential for life to function on the planet. Many species are losing their natural habitats and are facing increased pressure to adapt or evolve and are at serious risk of extinction.
5. Increasing Global Temperatures
Human activity is to blame for the serious shift in our global climate. The burning of fossil fuels like coal and oil, farming, and deforestation are major contributors. Average global temperatures have increased over the past century and are continuing to rise with potentially devastating effects unless drastic measures are taken.
6. Thawing Permafrost
The Arctic is warming more than twice as fast on average as the rest of the planet. Thawing leads to erosion, flooding, disrupting local communities, the threat of disease, and contributes to the release of greenhouse gases.
7. Increased Poverty and Risk of Disease
The biggest impact of climate change on humans will be felt by the vulnerable populations of the world. Food and water shortages will intensify, destruction of homes and increased risk of displacement, as well as the spread of disease and increased poverty, are some of the many challenges.
8. Extreme weather
A rapid shift in global weather patterns is contributing to more severe heat waves, intense droughts and wildfires, heavier precipitation, and flooding.
Glasgow Declaration
Climate Action in Tourism
At the COP26 in November 2021 the Glasgow Declaration was set in motion in an effort to bring significant climate action to the tourism industry.
“We declare our shared commitment to unite all stakeholders in transforming tourism to deliver effective climate action. We support the global commitment to halve emissions by 2030 and reach Net Zero as soon as possible before 2050. We will consistently align our actions with the latest scientific recommendations, so as to ensure our approach remains consistent with a rise of no more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2100.”
The Declaration encourages all stakeholders (any individual or business worldwide related to the travel industry – tour operators, travel corporations, travel consultants, hotels, travel writers… ) to commit to climate action.
The committed stakeholders must implement and provide climate action plans within 12 months and show transparency with annual public reporting of all their progress and future targets.
5 shared pathways have been created so the climate action plans will align throughout the tourism industry.
The climate action plans will be found on the One Planet Network. The UN Environment Program (UNEP) and the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) will monitor the progress until 2030.
5 shared pathways to ensure climate action is aligned across all tourism
The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.
Robert Swan
Travel Smarter
You can’t eliminate your carbon footprint but you certainly can lower it.
1. Water and Energy Wise
Be conscious of your energy and water usage especially when traveling in areas with limited resources.
2. Slow it Down
Take an extended trip to explore a region or country at a slower pace rather than multiple shorter trips while choosing the most sustainable transport and limiting air travel.
3. Reduce Waste
Travel with reusable items, go paperless, avoid single-use products, and set a good example for the locals.
4. Sleep Like the Locals
Choose homestays, local hotels, and eco-lodges which are typically more sustainable than international hotel chains and resorts.
5. Walk the Talk
Support the tourism companies that are committed to achieving the sustainable goals they have outlined in their climate action plan found on the One Planet Network.
6. Limit Air Travel
Reduce the weight of your luggage, fly economy, and take direct flights whenever possible. Support airlines that are making an effort to minimize their impact and learn about carbon offsets.
7. Spread the Word
Use social media to recommend the tourism businesses that are making an effort to become more sustainable and post honest reviews of your experiences.
8. Support Local Artisans
Choose quality-made products that are ethical, locally produced, and serve a purpose when purchasing gifts and souvenirs.
Measure Your Carbon Footprint
Although it’s impossible to calculate your exact footprint, using a carbon calculator can be a useful tool to estimate your impact.
The global average carbon footprint is estimated to be 4 tons of CO2/year according to The Nature Conservancy. The average carbon footprint in Canada and the United States is significantly higher.
In an effort to limit rising global temperatures to below 1.5°C by 2050, the global average needs to be reduced to 2 tons of CO2/year.
