Travel and tourism industry grapples with increasing emissions despite GDP growth contribution

The Travel and Tourism Industry Faces Environmental Challenges

KIGALI, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) — The travel and tourism industry, while experiencing a steady growth of 4.3 percent in gross domestic product annually, is facing a concerning challenge as greenhouse gas emissions within the sector continue to rise at a rate of 2.5 percent each year.

Julia Simpson, chief executive officer of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), disclosed this alarming trend, shedding light on the industry’s environmental impact while speaking at the 23rd WTTC Global Summit in the Rwandan capital of Kigali Thursday.

Sustainable Development Goals and Emissions Reduction

Simpson highlighted that even amid the emissions increase, 135 countries have managed to reduce their emissions intensity, and 15 have succeeded in decreasing their absolute greenhouse gas emissions, demonstrating a potential for change within the industry.

“Our sector globally is still less emissions-intensive than the world economy. In 2019 at its peak, travel and tourism represented 8.1 percent of the total greenhouse gas emissions in the world, 10.6 percent of total energy use and 0.9 percent of global water use,” she said.

Main Contributors to Greenhouse Gas Emissions

According to her, the primary culprits for greenhouse gas emissions within the sector are transport, making up around 40 percent, and energy use, specifically electricity consumption, contributing 20 percent.

She pointed out that out of the 40 percent allocated to transport emissions, approximately 36 percent originates from international aviation, making ground transport a larger contributor than airplanes.

Actions to Mitigate Environmental Impact

To mitigate this environmental impact, Simpson urged industry leaders to prioritize the adoption of electric vehicles within businesses and supply chains, while also emphasizing the need for the sustainable production of aviation fuels.

She called on government leaders and policymakers to explore investment opportunities in sustainable aviation fuel production in their respective countries and consider the electrification of ground vehicles as a means to harness renewable energy.

Addressing Challenges and Promoting Peace

Addressing the challenges of air connectivity, infrastructure, and visa regulations, Simpson pointed out that visa regimes are a major impediment to the sector’s growth, particularly in Africa.

She commended Rwanda’s visa-on-arrival policy as a positive example.

Simpson emphasized the industry’s intrinsic value, insisting that travel and tourism promote peace, serve as an embodiment of soft power, and contribute to building bridges, fostering understanding, and nurturing compassion in an increasingly interconnected world.

The 23rd WTTC Global Summit

The WTTC held its 23rd global summit for the first time on the African continent. The three-day summit, which opened Wednesday and ended Friday, attracted more than 1,000 participants, including heads of state, policymakers, government officials, travel leaders, and champions of conservation from across the globe to discuss the future of global travel and tourism. ■

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. 
   

   SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
   • Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning
   • Indicator: Greenhouse gas emissions within the travel and tourism sector

2. 
   

   SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
   • Indicator: Electricity consumption within the travel and tourism sector

3. 
   

   SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
   • Indicator: Adoption of electric vehicles within businesses and supply chains
   • Indicator: Sustainable production of aviation fuels

4. 
   

   SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.9: Provide legal identity for all, including birth registration
   • Indicator: Visa regimes and their impact on the travel and tourism sector’s growth

Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The SDGs that are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:
– Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning
– Target 13.3: Improve education, awareness-raising, and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning
– Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
– Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure
– Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
– Target 16.9: Provide legal identity for all, including birth registration

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:
– Greenhouse gas emissions within the travel and tourism sector (related to Target 13.2)
– Electricity consumption within the travel and tourism sector (related to Target 7.2)
– Adoption of electric vehicles within businesses and supply chains (related to Target 9.1)
– Sustainable production of aviation fuels (related to Target 9.4)
– Visa regimes and their impact on the travel and tourism sector’s growth (related to Target 16.9)

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: english.news.cn

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