Transport generated CO2 emissions could increase by 25 percent by 2030 and go from 1.597 billion tons in 2016 to 1.998 billion tons in just eleven years, as per a report presented at the United Nations Climate Summit (COP25).
However, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the International Transport Forum report highlights that the sector is making progress in achieving low-emission travel. Carbon emissions per passenger-kilometer are supposed to decline over the next decade, but the number of tourists continues to grow.
In 2016, transport emissions caused by the tourism sector accounted for 5 percent of total man-made CO2 emissions. UNWTO has called for greater cooperation between the transport and tourism industries so they can fully participate in climate action.
Transport-related carbon emissions from tourism accounted for 22 percent of all transport emissions in 2016 and will remain virtually unchanged in 2030 (21 percent), as per the Transport Related CO2 Emissions report.
UN Deputy Executive Secretary Ovais Sarmad points out that although tourism impact on climate change is considered by many stakeholders as a major concern, not enough measures have been taken to address the issue.
The executive director of UNWTO, Manuel Butler says that the tourism sector has to take the initiatives and especially those in charge of tourism, to make efficient use of the data and ensure that the sector plays a leading role in plans to deal with the climate emergency.
