Tourism is a booming global industry, but its environmental impact is becoming harder to ignore. A University of Queensland-led study highlights a worrying trend: greenhouse gas emissions from tourism are growing more than twice as fast as emissions from the global economy. Associate Professor Ya-Yen Sun of UQ’s Business School revealed that tourism now accounts for 9% of the world’s total emissions. Between 2009 and 2019, the industry’s global carbon footprint skyrocketed from 3.7 gigatonnes (Gt) to 5.2 Gt.
This growth rate of 3.5% annually far exceeds the global average of 1.5% per year. Alarmingly, if the trend continues unchecked, emissions from tourism will double every 20 years.
THE PARIS AGREEMENT DILEMMA
Dr. Sun warns that tourism’s current trajectory clashes with the Paris Agreement.
For compliance, the sector must reduce emissions by more than 10% annually. This is a stark contrast to the anticipated annual increase of 3 to 4%.
MAJOR CONTRIBUTORS TO TOURISM EMISSIONS
The study was conducted by researchers from UQ, Griffith University, the University of Sydney, and Linnaeus University. They tracked travel across 175 countries. Key findings include:
- Aviation: The largest contributor to tourism emissions.
- Utilities and Private Vehicles: Significant sources of carbon footprint for travelers.
- Top Emitters: The United States, China, and India accounted for 60% of the emissions growth.
Australia ranked among the top 20 countries contributing 75% of the global tourism footprint in 2019.
KEY DRIVERS BEHIND RISING EMISSIONS
- Rapid Travel Demand Growth: Tourism’s increasing popularity drives higher emissions.
- Slow Technological Advancements: Sustainable travel innovations lag behind demand.
AVIATION: THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE
Air travel poses the toughest challenge in reducing tourism’s emissions. Long-haul flights remain a major culprit. Dr. Sun suggests cutting back on promoting long-distance travel and implementing carbon-focused policies to address the issue.
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CUT TOURISM EMISSIONS
The study outlines several strategies to curb tourism’s environmental impact:
1. Global Policy Interventions
- Introduce carbon dioxide taxes on high-emission activities.
- Set carbon budgets for countries and companies.
- Enforce obligations for using alternative fuels in aviation.
2. Local-Level Solutions
- Encourage tourism businesses to adopt renewable electricity for accommodation and activities.
- Promote the use of electric vehicles for transport.
- Set growth thresholds for national tourism to control expansion.
3. Consumer-Level Changes
- Encourage travelers to choose eco-friendly destinations.
- Reduce the frequency of long-haul trips.
- Opt for accommodations and services powered by renewable energy.
THE ROLE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN TOURISM
Renewable energy offers a clear path to reducing emissions. In Australia, businesses can lower their carbon footprint significantly. They achieve this by switching to electricity plans based on renewable sources rather than coal.
TOURISM AND CLIMATE ACTION AT COP29
Dr. Sun presented these findings at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Azerbaijan. The session on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism focused on practical steps to align the industry with global climate goals.
THE PATH FORWARD FOR SUSTAINABLE TOURISM
Tourism is an essential part of the global economy, but its rapid emissions growth threatens climate targets. Without urgent interventions, the industry risks becoming a major barrier to achieving net-zero goals.
Policymakers, businesses, and travelers must work together to implement sustainable practices. From reducing air travel to investing in renewable energy, tourism has the potential to shift toward a more eco-friendly future.
