Specific ways to cut down CO2 emissions
The tourism industry has consistently presented a complex challenge when it comes to its environmental impact. While serving as an economic catalyst that promotes prosperity in various global destinations, it also constitutes a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental damage. Here is how a few small steps can cut down on carbon emissions and help in the green cause.
Areport released by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in 2021, shows that the tourism industry is accountable for approximately 11 per cent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, with transportation and accommodation sectors standing out as primary contributors. Alarmingly, it is projected that this proportion is expected to double by 2050.
The aviation sector, for example, is a major contributor to carbon emissions, primarily due to the need to travel by air to reach diverse global destinations. In July 2023, there was a 26.2 per cent increase in total traffic, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs), when compared to July 2022.
Globally, the current traffic levels have reached over 95 per cent of what they were before the onset of COVID-19.
To cater to the influx of tourists, the construction and continuous operation of hotels, resorts, and other lodging establishments demand substantial energy consumption and resource utilisation, further amplifying the environmental impact of the tourism sector. Given the increasing severity of climate change consequences, it is crucial for the tourism industry to take proactive steps to address both its detrimental environmental effects and its ability to adapt to the evolving climate conditions.
One of the most effective ways the tourism industry can mitigate its carbon footprint is through offset programs.
These initiatives push travellers and tourism businesses to invest in projects that reduce or capture an equivalent amount of carbon emissions to those produced during their trips. For example, travellers can purchase carbon offsets for their flights, which fund projects like reforestation, renewable energy, or methane capture. Tourism companies can also take a leading role in carbon offset programmes by voluntarily offsetting their own emissions and encouraging their customers to do the same. Hotels and resorts can significantly reduce their carbon footprint by adopting energy-efficient technologies and utilising renewable energy sources. This entails the incorporation of solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, and HVAC systems, along with the adoption of water-saving strategies. Educational programs aimed at both tourists and professionals within the tourism industry are crucial for addressing the impacts of climate change and advancing sustainability.
It’s high ime for the tourism industry to now deliver a more sustainable future for the benefit of the planet, and the future prosperity of the industry.
Hotels can significantly reduce their carbon footprint by adopting energy-efficient technologies and utilising renewable energy sources