Tourism is responsible for eight percent of global CO2 emissions, making it a significant contributor to climate change. According to a new study by the University of Sydney, luxury and long-distance air travel are the biggest culprits. The research, published in the journal Nature Press, found that tourism is responsible for around eight percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, a much higher figure than previously thought. The study’s authors attribute the discrepancy to the fact that previous analyses did not take into account all the factors that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.
The researchers analyzed all the CO2 emissions associated with tourism in 160 countries, including emissions from transportation, accommodation, food, and souvenirs. They found that from 2009 to 2013, CO2 emissions from tourism increased from 3.9 gigatons to 4.5 gigatons, equivalent to around eight percent of global CO2 emissions. The study also found that tourists from industrialized countries, who often travel long distances by plane, have the highest per capita CO2 emissions. The production of food for tourists in destination countries is also a significant contributor to emissions.
The study’s lead author, Manfred Lenzen, predicts that despite growing environmental awareness, CO2 emissions from tourism will continue to rise due to increasing prosperity and the popularity of luxury and long-distance travel. However, there are some promising research projects, such as the SUN-to-LIQUID project, which produces carbon-neutral kerosene from water, CO2, and sunlight. Two other projects are also exploring the production of kerosene from plant waste and plastic waste, although these technologies are still in the early stages of development.
