core sector communique

"Climate Change and Tourism Policy InOrganization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)Countries".

The main points highlighted in the report “Climate Change and Tourism Policy In Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Countries” By: OECD Tourism Committee and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), September, 2011. (Available at: http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/8/28/48681944.pdf) are given below:

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• Tourism sector accounts for an estimated 5% of anthropogenic CO₂ emissions in 2010.

• Aviation accounts for 40% of tourism’s CO₂ emissions, car transport for 32% and accommodation for 21%. The remaining 7% arises from activities of tourists (4%) and other forms of transport (3%), including in particular cruise ships.

• In the next 25 years, GHG emissions from tourism are projected to more than double in a business-as-usual scenario, i.e. extrapolating current trends while taking account of gains in efficiency.

• No binding emission reduction targets or mitigation policies have so far been formulated specifically for tourism.

• The European Union’s Emission Trading Scheme for aviation will commence in 2012 and cover intra-European and international aviation.

• The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aims at improved fuel efficiency across the aviation sector by 2% per year between now and 2050 through better air traffic management, the introduction of new technology, market-based measures and alternative fuels.

• International Air Transport Association (IATA) aims at stabilization of air transport emissions by 2020 (base year 2005) and 50% cut by 2050.

• Tourism stakeholders can prepare for low-carbon futures by integrating energy and emission-related concerns in their planning that do not necessarily imply declining visitor numbers or revenues.

• One of the most efficient ways of reducing emissions and promoting innovation in the form of renewable energies, or other less-polluting or climate change-friendly technologies is to increase fuel prices.

• The introduction of a tax on fuel, or on emissions, that is proportional to fuel use or to emissions produced, can ensure cost-efficient abatement

• Water consumption of tourism sector is a major concern as up to 2,000 liters per tourist per day of water is consumed in the tourism sector and resort-style accommodation facilities use more water than simple high-rise mass tourism or campsite facilities.

• Golf is the recreational activity that has the biggest share of water consumption as an 18-hole golf course in a Mediterranean sand dune system uses 0.5-1.0 million m³ of fresh water per year.

• Cruise tourism is the most energy intense form of tourism on a per tourist trip basis.

• Tourism and airline organizations have urged for funds raised from levies to be earmarked for green investments.

Posted by:  

Ramesh Kumar Jalan, Ph.D.

Resource Person & Moderator

Climate Change Community, Solution Exchange,

United Nations Development Programme

New Delhi, India