Carbon dioxide emissions from global tourism are increasing more than emissions from other sectors, according to a study that analyzed data from 175 countries. Flights to and from destinations and travel on site are the main causes.
Between 2009 and 2019, the share of emissions has doubled. And it does not seem to be changing.
We in countries that have long traveled a lot are increasing our travel. Moreover, travel is increasing in other countries, such as China and India, says Stefan Gössling, professor of tourism science at Linnaeus University and one of the researchers behind the international study.
Increasing every year
Total emissions from tourism account for around 8.8 percent of total carbon dioxide emissions. But compared to a number of other sectors, the development to reduce carbon dioxide emissions has been slow in the tourism sector, according to the study. Total emissions from global tourism have increased by 3.5 percent per year and amount to 5.2 gigatons of carbon dioxide equivalents in 2019.
Even though tourism only accounts for around 8.8 percent of emissions, the researchers believe it is relevant to take seriously. Not least because they are increasing.
Looking at, for example, Germany, every fourth ton of carbon dioxide comes from tourism. In Sweden, we have slightly lower emissions per capita than in Germany, so here, tourist travel may account for an even higher share, says Stefan Gössling.
Need to decrease
The researchers behind the study estimate that the increase in carbon dioxide emissions will be between 3 and 4 percent per year if the trend continues. For the sector to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, they would instead need to decrease by 10 percent per year.
But as it looks now, travel is increasing both from and within countries that have always had high emissions, while it is also increasing in countries like India, which has a growing middle class.
I think most researchers agree that if we are to change behavior, we need to reduce subsidies for flights. As long as it is cheap, people will continue to fly on vacation. And then we should remember that low prices make those who already fly a lot fly even more, says Stefan Gössling.
