06 Jan Traveling through the climate crisis

Should I travel if my travel contributes to climate change?

Tourism certainly contributes to climate change. Air travel in particular generates significant amounts of greenhouse gases. It is important that the industry acts and uses all its influence to change parts of eth tourism system that contribute to the climate crisis. To make significant change requires system change. We need to change our sources of energy from fossil fuels to renewables, we need to improve the energy efficiency of hotels and other buildings, and we need to transition our infrastructure to support low carbon lifestyles.

But as an individual, do your actions when traveling have an impact? Well…The changes you make to your individual carbon footprint are (really) small given the size of the problem.  Even so, to paraphrase Jane Goodall – everyone makes an impact and we each must choose what sort of impact we want to make. To get some ideas on more climate-friendly travel, check out our Tourism Insight: A Travelers Guide to Low Carbon Travel.

It is important to remember that the most important impact you make may be showing the folks around you that you care about this issue. Tell the story about why you care about carbon when you travel and let others know it is okay to care.  The tourism system will change when travelers and the travel industry make it change.