Global tourism emissions growing uncontrolled

12-12-24

Emissions from the tourism sector continue to rise unchecked, reaching alarming figures in recent years. According to a recent report, the environmental impact of global tourism has grown by 3.5% each year, reaching 5.2 gigatons of CO2 by 2023. This steady increase highlights the challenge the industry faces in transitioning to more sustainable practices. The increase in tourism emissions is directly related to the growth in travel demand, driven by the recovery from the pandemic and the expansion of tourist destinations.

The report reveals that air transport is the main contributor to these emissions, accounting for approximately 40% of the sector's total. Although airlines have taken some steps to reduce their carbon footprint, such as adding more efficient aircraft and implementing biofuels, progress has been insufficient to curb the overall increase in emissions.

In addition, tourism has begun to exceed expectations, with growth in demand for international travel continuing to be strong. Projections indicate that emissions could continue to rise without more ambitious and effective action.

A major concern is that government policies and industry initiatives do not appear to be commensurate with the scale of the problem. Despite efforts by governments and international organizations, the lack of strict regulations and a real commitment by key players in the tourism industry prevents a real transformation.

Experts agree that the key to addressing the environmental impact of tourism is a combination of technological measures, such as innovation in more sustainable transportation, and changes in tourist behavior. A cultural change in the industry is needed to promote more responsible tourism that reduces emissions and limits the consumption of natural resources.

To achieve these objectives, the researchers suggest that the use of less polluting means of transport, such as trains or electric buses, should be encouraged instead of short-haul flights. In addition, boosting sustainable tourism infrastructure and promoting destinations that offer green and low environmental impact experiences could be key to mitigating emissions.

The challenge is considerable, but with a global approach and the collaboration of governments, businesses and consumers, the tourism industry has the capacity to evolve towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly model. However, this change requires strong political will, investment in innovation and greater awareness of the impacts of tourism on climate change.