Tourism’s Carbon Emissions Grow At More Than Twice That Of Global Economy

Between 20o9 and 2020 the carbon emissions from tourism increased by 3.5% compared to 1.5% for the rest of the global economy, a new study has found. Major contributors include aviation, utilities, and private motor vehicles. The tourism sector now accounts for 9% of global emissions.

The study, led by researchers at the University of Queensland and published by Nature Communications, attributed 60% of the increase in emissions to India, the US, and China. Key factors in the growth of emissions include population growth, rising income levels, and a surge in travel demand among emerging economies.

If the top 20 highest-emitting destinations had curbed their tourism growth by just 1% annually, an estimated 7% of global tourism-related emissions could have been avoided, said the study, led by Ya-Yen Sun.

The study highlights the urgent need for interventions in the tourism sector, cautioning that without action, emissions are projected to double every 20 years.

The study calls for immediate measures to decarbonize tourism and urges policymakers and industry leaders to align with climate targets.