Kiera Jefferson
Tourism is a significant contributor to the global economy, but it also has a substantial impact on the environment. As the number of travellers increases, the strain on natural wonders and ecologically sensitive areas becomes more apparent. Mass tourism, where the number of tourists surpasses the capacity of the region, can lead to pollution, ecosystem disruption, and harm to local wildlife. The carbon footprint of tourism is a critical concern, with air travel contributing to climate change and the degradation of natural environments. Tourist destinations often rely on non-renewable energy sources, and the construction of facilities can lead to deforestation and soil erosion, further exacerbating the issue. The overconsumption and waste production associated with tourism, as well as the improper disposal of sewage and toxic chemicals, have detrimental effects on local communities, wildlife, and the health of residents. Marine life is also impacted by marine litter, which increases during the high tourist season, and the chemicals in sunscreen contribute to coral bleaching.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Carbon emissions | Air travel contributes to global climate change. |
| Waste management | Tourists produce up to twice as much waste as local residents, straining local waste management systems. |
| Waterways and oceans pollution | Improper disposal of sewage and other toxic chemicals by the tourism industry pollutes waterways and oceans. |
| Marine life | Marine litter increases during the high tourist season, with plastics such as water bottles and straws being commonly used and discarded. |
| Coral reefs | Chemicals in sunscreen and unregulated recreational activities such as over-diving and snorkelling contribute to coral bleaching and damage to coral reef ecosystems. |
| Food transportation | Tourist destinations need to import food to cater to diverse demands, increasing the carbon footprint. |
| Construction | Building tourist facilities can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and loss of wildlife habitats. |
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What You'll Learn
Carbon emissions from air travel
Air travel is a significant component of global tourism and a major contributor to carbon emissions. The combustion of kerosene jet fuel releases carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, with approximately 3.16 kg of CO2 emitted per kilogram of fuel burned. The production, transport, and refinement of kerosene further add to these emissions, resulting in an additional 0.5 kg of CO2 per kg of jet fuel. As a result, a round-trip flight between Frankfurt and New York can burn about 156,500 kg of jet fuel, leading to approximately 570 tonnes of CO2 emissions for the entire voyage or an average of 870 kg of CO2 per economy-class passenger.
The impact of air travel on the climate is significant due to the large amount of CO2 emitted per kilometre travelled. For example, a single passenger on a domestic flight in Britain can contribute climate impacts equivalent to 254 grams of CO2 per kilometre, while a long-haul flight can emit up to 102 grams of CO2 per kilometre. In comparison, travelling by intercity train or coach produces far fewer emissions, with 41 grams and 28 grams of CO2 equivalent per passenger mile, respectively.
The aviation sector contributes around 2% of annual global carbon dioxide emissions. As international travel demand recovers following the Covid-19 pandemic, aviation emissions are also rebounding. In 2023, emissions reached almost 950 Mt CO2, surpassing 90% of pre-pandemic levels. This rise in emissions underscores the urgent need for stakeholders to implement measures to reduce carbon emissions in the aviation industry.
To achieve the long-term goal of net-zero carbon emissions from international aviation by 2050, set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), stakeholders must increase the use of low-carbon fuels, improve aircraft and engine design, optimise operations, and manage demand. Political agreements and fiscal policies promoting sustainable aviation fuels, such as Brazil's "Fuel of the Future" law, are positive steps towards reducing emissions. Additionally, taxing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from air travel can help curb demand growth and generate revenue for low-carbon innovation.
While carbon offsetting projects can provide some environmental benefits, they are not a long-term solution to the emissions produced by air travel. Reducing the number of flights we take and choosing alternative modes of transportation whenever possible are more effective ways to minimise our carbon footprint.
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Plastic pollution in oceans
Plastic pollution in the oceans is a pressing issue that requires worldwide cooperation and poses a significant threat to ocean health, marine life, ecosystems, food safety, human health, and coastal tourism. The presence of plastic in our oceans is increasing, and plastic pollution is a leading cause of marine species extinction, health issues for humans and animals, and ecosystem destruction.
The primary source of plastic pollution in the ocean is littering, with disposable plastic items like food wrappings, plastic bags, bottles, and other single-use plastic products ending up in waterways due to improper waste management. Additionally, about 20% of ocean plastic pollution originates from industrial fishing, and a considerable amount of plastic waste also comes from improper manufacturing processes.
The durability of plastic, one of its most valuable assets, becomes a liability when it enters the ocean, as it can persist for long periods, taking hundreds of years to degrade. This durability has severe consequences for marine wildlife, with entanglement and ingestion impacting 914 megafaunal species, including over 100 endangered species.
Tourism contributes to marine plastic pollution, with a significant amount of plastic ending up in rivers and oceans. This has led to a decline in tourism revenue for coastal regions, which account for 80% of all tourism. The Island of Goeje in South Korea, for example, lost $37 million in revenue due to marine pollution on its beaches.
To combat this issue, the tourism industry is taking action through initiatives like the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, which aims to reduce plastic pollution and promote circularity. Companies are also partnering to promote sustainable tourism, and clean-up activities are becoming increasingly popular tourist attractions. Investing in better waste management and promoting reusable alternatives to single-use plastics are crucial steps in reducing plastic pollution in oceans.
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Habitat destruction
Tourism is a significant contributor to the global economy, accounting for 7.6% of the world's GDP annually. However, it has a substantial environmental impact, particularly concerning habitat destruction.
Infrastructure Development
Tourist hotspots, especially those in ecologically sensitive areas, often experience habitat destruction due to infrastructure development. The construction of hotels, resorts, roads, and other tourism facilities can lead to deforestation, land alteration, depletion of natural resources, and disruption to local ecosystems. For example, the building of resorts in once-pristine beach locations can affect marine life and contribute to shoreline erosion.
Waste Management
The influx of tourists can overwhelm local waste management systems, leading to pollution and further habitat destruction. Mount Everest, a popular climbing destination, has earned the unfortunate nickname of "the world's highest garbage dump" due to the accumulation of discarded oxygen cylinders, plastic waste, and even abandoned camping equipment.
Ecosystem Disruption
Tourism activities can directly harm local wildlife and ecosystems. Careless behaviour by tourists, such as wandering off established trails, can result in trampled vegetation and erosion. Unsustainable marine tourism practices, like kicking coral or anchoring in fragile areas, damage coral reefs. Additionally, the noise and emissions from tourist vehicles can disturb and displace animals.
Energy Consumption
Tourist destinations often rely heavily on fossil fuels, emitting CO2 and other pollutants into the air and ocean. Their dependence on non-renewable energy sources contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The construction of tourism infrastructure can also lead to the loss of ecosystems that play a crucial role in carbon sequestration, such as forests, further exacerbating the carbon emissions associated with tourism.
Food Importation
Tourist destinations often need to import food to meet the diverse demands of visitors. This transportation of non-local food contributes to a sizeable carbon footprint and can impact the habitats of the regions from which the food is sourced.
To mitigate these impacts, it is essential to implement voluntary sustainability standards, supported by training and external audits, for tourism enterprises. By adopting best practices and careful planning, the negative effects of tourism on habitats can be reduced, promoting a more sustainable balance between tourism and environmental preservation.
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Food transportation
Tourism's impact on food transportation is further exacerbated by food waste. A substantial amount of food produced for tourism goes to waste due to hotel buffets and oversized restaurant portions. When food is wasted, the emissions generated during its production were unnecessary, contributing to the carbon footprint of tourism. Globally, less than half of hotels compost their food waste, and when food decomposes in landfills, it produces methane, a greenhouse gas 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
The carbon emissions from food transportation and waste are part of the broader impact of tourism on the environment. Tourism is responsible for 8% of global carbon emissions, with transportation being the main source of these emissions. The demand for air travel, motor vehicles, and other forms of transport to reach tourist destinations contributes significantly to these emissions. For example, a seven-hour flight on a Boeing 747 produces 220 tons of carbon dioxide, equivalent to the energy requirement of an average family home for nearly 17 years.
The impact of tourism on food transportation and the environment is complex and far-reaching. While tourism can bring economic benefits to destinations, it also poses challenges, including the increase in carbon emissions from food transportation and waste. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that considers the environmental impact of tourism and the implementation of sustainable practices in the industry. By reducing food waste, increasing the use of compostable materials, and improving transportation efficiency, the carbon footprint of tourism can be reduced, contributing to a more sustainable future for the industry and the planet.
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Sewage and toxic chemical disposal
Tourism is an industry that is prone to overconsumption and, as a result, produces a substantial amount of waste and pollution. Tourists can produce up to twice as much waste as local residents, which can put a strain on local waste management systems. This waste includes sewage and other toxic chemicals, which, if improperly disposed of, can pollute waterways and oceans. This is particularly true in places that are ecologically sensitive and not equipped to handle a large influx of tourists, such as Mount Everest, which has been called the "world's highest garbage dump".
Tourism businesses and travellers often lack awareness of how to adopt sustainable practices and improve their waste management processes. This can lead to trash being left behind in parks and along trails, which detracts from the natural beauty of scenic areas and can cause health problems for local residents.
The improper disposal of sewage and toxic chemicals by the tourism industry is a major issue. This includes hotels, cruise ships, and other tourist accommodations that may not have the capacity or knowledge to properly dispose of waste. This waste can end up in landfills or sewage plants that are already overflowing, or it can be dumped directly into oceans or waterways, causing ocean debris and untreated sewage. This poses a grave threat to marine animals, who may get entangled, sick, or die. It can also poison wildlife and throw off the ecosystem balance.
Tourism businesses and travellers can play a role in reducing the impact of sewage and toxic chemical disposal on the environment. This includes adopting eco-friendly travel habits, such as reducing food waste and properly disposing of garbage, as well as implementing sustainable practices and improving waste management processes within the tourism industry. By minimizing the amount of trash and pollution produced, we can help to preserve the beauty and health of the places we visit.
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Frequently asked questions
Tourism can cause pollution through the emission of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, from air travel and the use of fossil fuels by floating hotels.
Tourism is an industry that is prone to overconsumption and can produce a substantial amount of waste. Tourists can produce up to twice as much waste as local residents, straining local waste management systems and causing landfills and sewage plants to overflow.
Marine plastic pollution is becoming an urgent issue in coastal locations that rely on tourism to drive local economies. A study found that in Tanzania's Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar Island, around two-thirds of all marine plastic pollution was generated by the tourism industry.
Mass tourism can damage local ecosystems. For example, unregulated recreational activities such as over-diving and snorkelling have damaged coral reef ecosystems. Additionally, the construction of tourist infrastructure can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and the loss of wildlife habitats.
