Tourism is responsible for 8% of global carbon emissions

2018/05/08 Agirre Ruiz de Arkaute, Aitziber - Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Garraioak
• Energia
• Ingurumena

For the first time they have measured the entire ecological footprint of tourism and have obtained very significant results: tourism accounts for 8% of the global carbon emission. So far, the World Tourism Organization thought it was only 4%, but the new research conducted by the University of Sydney has shown that the impact is much greater than expected. To do this, unlike the above, they have carried out an evaluation of the entire life cycle of tourism, since they have taken into account all the carbon emissions generated until the departure and return of a tourist: plane, accommodation, rental car, food and drinks, souvenirs, etc.

The research has been published in the journal Nature Climate Change and scientists have made concrete proposals to take action against climate change: impose carbon taxes on tourism, especially air travel. They generate between 0.25 and 0.5 kg of CO2 per passenger and kilometer and calculate that a return trip of 900 km should be taxed for 40 €. The researchers have said clearly: we would have to fly less and pay more.