According to a new study, carbon dioxide emissions’ effects from tourism could be eliminated for a US$11 tax that travelers should pay. Worldwide, the travel industry (transport, accommodation, tourists’ leisure activities) annually contributes to 5 percent of total human-made emissions of carbon dioxide.
The new study focused on finding solutions to diminish the recent alarming figures and cost effective strategies for the tourism industry to meet strategic energy saving and renewable energy initiatives the UN recommended.
According to a the latest study published in the Journal of Sustainable Tourism, dangerous carbon dioxide emissions could be eliminated if travelers would pay a US$11 tax per trip.
The study, led by Professor Scott at the University of Waterloo , encourages buying carbon offsets from other parts of the global economy where emission reductions can be attained for less money. Here are the Professor’s statements:
“A dangerously warming world is not in the best interest of global tourism. Many of peoples’ favorite tourism destinations and activities are at risk to climate change, from the ski industry to tropical beaches, from iconic species to cultural heritage. So investing in low-carbon tourism is really in the interests of both the tourism industry and travelers alike.
“We have to ask ourselves, are we willing to pay less than the price of an extra checked bag to ensure future generations can marvel at the sights that inspire us today?
“The tourism sector has pledged to reduce its CO2 emissions 50 per cent by 2035. Our study demonstrates this is achievable, but will require determined action and significant investment — starting at just under US$1 billion annually 2020s.
“Divided equally among all domestic and international trips that’s about a US$11 cost per trip — basically the same price as many modest travel fees and taxes.”
The long-term investment required to meet the reducing carbon dioxide emissions goal may be vital for the economies of many countries, as tourism represents the largest spending sector in the world and also a necessary and responsible “taking action” on climate change.
“Tourism is how billions of people explore new places and experience new cultures and the natural wonders of this world every year.
“Tourism can be a force for immense good, but it needs to be done within the carbon limits being negotiated by world leaders at the UN climate summit in Paris or else it will be regulated to do so.
“It is not peak oil that is a risk to future tourism development, but peak carbon. Our analysis shows that the tourism sector can be compatible with a decarbonized global economy, if governments and business leaders show collective leadership to make it happen”, Professor Scott concludes.
