Surprise: Global Travel is a Huge Contributor to Climate Change
Researchers warn that the surge in global tourism is outstripping the “decarbonization” of tourism-related technology.
In the first study of its kind, researchers found that carbon emissions from world travel contribute about 8 percent of all carbon emissions, four times more than previously estimated.
That rate is expected to grow 4 percent annually, outpacing the footprints of many other economic sectors, according to the study published Monday in the journal Nature Climate Change.
The study takes a sweeping look at the environmental impact of global tourism by examining the entire supply chain, from flights, dining, to shopping purchases. High-income countries account for the majority of this footprint, with the U.S. topping the list followed by China, Germany and India.
“Our analysis is a world-first look at the true cost of tourism — including consumables such as food from eating out and souvenirs — it’s a complete life-cycle assessment of global tourism, ensuring we don’t miss any impacts,” said senior author Arunima Malik, who teaches sustainability at the University of Sydney.
For the rest of the article, see: https://www.kqed.org/science/1923609/surprise-global-travel-is-a-huge-contributor-to-climate-change