Why international travel can be a force for good
CALL me controversial, but I don’t believe banning international holidays is an effective solution to the world’s climate problems. In fact, I think ‘flight-shaming’, curtailing our wanderlust and clipping our wings will only make things worse for many.
It is an undisputed fact that by setting foot on a plane, we are boosting our personal carbon footprint through supporting a form of transport that burns fossil fuels by the ton. But aviation is disproportionately demonised when it comes to emissions. Aeroplanes are responsible for just over two per cent of all human-created emissions, and flying makes up around 12 per cent of all transport emissions – a drop in the ocean compared to the 74 per cent that comes from road-based transport.
We have a long way to go until we can genuinely fly cleaner and greener, but if aviation was a country, it would be ranked right down at 20th in the offender ranks. Take a look at the emissions being spewed out of the construction and agricultural sectors before wagging your finger.
Travel better
The key to sustainable travel as the world opens up is travelling better, and that means planning a holiday that can have a significant positive impact. It’s not difficult. You just have to be a little more conscious of how much of your hard-earned holiday money goes directly into the pockets of the communities and cultures that need it the most.
That’s because international travel is vital to many underprivileged communities in a world where one in 10 people are employed in tourism. It is vital revenue that can transform lives. Entire communities in Asia, Africa and the Americas rely on our holiday spending. In fact, for many parts of the world, tourism is a form of global wealth distribution, which unlocks education, healthcare and improves infrastructure. It lifts millions out of poverty, making them less vulnerable to the environmental and political struggles we feel powerless to fix.
For instance, Madagascar might be best known for its cute lemurs, but right now the southern part of this island off the east coast of Africa is suffering from drought and famine. This has been made worse by the recent fall in tourism.
The rainforest-rich island has one of the highest levels of biodiversity anywhere in the world, with hundreds of thousands of species, but its these are under severe threat from the effects of climate change and deforestation. One of the best ways you can help? By booking a holiday there.
I urge you to think beyond that bargain-basement package holiday to a foreign-owned chain hotel most likely kitted out in made-in-China furniture and which relies on cheap foreign workers and imported ingredients.
Far better to spend your vitally important tourism money at an independently owned, community-linked ‘agriturismo’ which employs locals of all ages and abilities with a deliciously-low food-print and zero-waste ways.
That’s the route to enriching experiences that feel more nutritious for the soul, and which leave sweeter-tasting memories.
For easy-to-follow eco-friendly l travel tips, see The Green Edit: Travel (£9.99 Ebury Press).
Tourism is a form of global wealth distribution which unlocks education