There&rsquo;s a speed bump in India&rsquo;s tourism boom&mdash;our carbon footprint. As more Indians travel for pleasure, and travellers explore the country&rsquo;s vibrant landscapes and cultural treasures, the environmental costs are mounting.
A new study has placed India among the top three contributors to surging global tourism emissions, which are driven almost entirely by just 20 countries.
Published in Nature Communications, the study underscores the urgent need for action as efforts to curb tourism-related emissions continue to fall short.
Researchers analysed 11 years of data from 175 governments using the UN-endorsed &ldquo;measurement of sustainable tourism&rdquo; framework. They found that the share of emissions from tourism, which accounted for 7.3% (3.7 gigatonnes) of global emissions in 2009, grew 40% to 8.8% (5.2 gigatonnes) by 2019.&nbsp;
According to the UN Environment Programme, global emissions need to fall 42% by 2030 if we&rsquo;re to limit global warming to 1.5 &deg;C, meaning tourism emissions pose significant challenges to our climate goals.
The study found that India, alongside the United States and China, accounted for 60% of the growth in global tourism emissions from 2009 to 2019. By 2019, just these three were responsible for 39% of global tourism emissions, highlighting their critical role in shaping the future of sustainable tourism.
The carbon intensity of tourism spending is 30% higher than the global average and four times that of the broader service sector, the paper says, adding that aviation remains the primary culprit, responsible for half of direct tourism emissions.
Noting the challenges involved, the study proposes four key paths to decarbonization:
Measurement: Identify high-emission sub-sectors like aviation, vehicle use, and energy supply, and establish a 10% annual emissions reduction pathway.
Sustainable Growth: Avoid excessive tourism development and set national sustainability goals, particularly in the 20 highest-emitting destinations.
Domestic Focus:&nbsp;Shift towards domestic and short-range tourism markets, reducing reliance on long-haul air travel.
Address Inequality:&nbsp;Incorporate the social costs of emissions into tourism policies, encouraging equitable growth.
Until policymakers and industry leaders put in place proper regulations, the easiest thing to do for a smaller footprint is to travel close to home&mdash;avoid excessive air travel or, at least, choose sustainable accommodations.

Aviation is responsible for half of direct tourism emissions

US, China, India account for almost 40% of tourism emissions, new study says; aviation key issue

Want a Smaller Carbon Footprint? Fly Less

US, China, India account for almost 40% of tourism emissions, new study says; aviation key issue

December 13, 2024 | 13:36 IST