Tourism Carbon Emissions Growing Twice as Fast as Global Average

A new study reveals tourism accounts for 9% of global emissions, with aviation and travel demand driving unsustainable growth.

Tourism's carbon emissions grew by 3.5% annually from 2009 to 2019, double the global emissions growth rate of 1.5%.
In 2019, tourism was responsible for 5.2 gigatonnes of CO2, representing 9% of the world's total emissions.
Aviation is the largest contributor to tourism emissions, followed by utilities and private vehicle use.
The United States, China, and India accounted for 60% of the increase in tourism emissions during the study period.
Researchers recommend measures like reducing long-haul flights, implementing carbon taxes, and transitioning to renewable energy to curb emissions.