Climate Action in Travel: What It Means and What You Can Do
Travel has the power to inspire, connect, and transform–it takes us to the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, introduces us to diverse cultures, and fuels economies worldwide.
But travel also leaves a mark.
The tourism industry contributes roughly 6.5-12% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with transportation, accommodations, and supply chains all playing a critical role. Climate change is already reshaping the destinations we cherish—coastal cities face rising seas, ski resorts struggle with shorter seasons, and extreme weather disrupts travel plans.
Yet, the tourism industry also has the unique opportunity to be a force for positive change. Tourism businesses interact directly with natural landscapes and cultural heritage and can significantly influence sustainable practices on a global scale.
What is Climate Change?
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns. The Earth’s atmosphere naturally contains greenhouse gases, which act like a blanket around the Earth, trapping some of the sun’s energy and keeping our planet warm enough to support life. This process is known as the greenhouse effect.
While some climate changes are natural, the rapid warming we’re currently experiencing is primarily due to human activities. Burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas releases additional greenhouse gases (GHGs) and intensifies the greenhouse effect. This extra “blanket” traps more heat than the planet would naturally retain, leading to global warming and climate change. The more GHGs we emit, the thicker this blanket becomes, raising global temperatures and causing a range of climate-related issues.
How Does Travel Contribute to Climate Change?
Travel and tourism are major contributors to global carbon emissions, primarily due to three key factors:
Transportation Emissions – The largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in tourism comes from transportation, particularly air travel. Long-haul flights burn large amounts of fossil fuels, releasing pollutants into the atmosphere. Cars, buses, and cruise ships also contribute significantly.
Energy Use in Accommodations – Hotels, resorts, and other lodging facilities require substantial energy for daily operations. Many accommodations still rely on non-renewable energy sources, leading to high carbon footprints. Water use, waste generation, and food production within hospitality settings also contribute to environmental impacts.
Supply Chains Supporting Tourism – The tourism industry depends on a vast network of suppliers, from food and beverage providers to construction materials for infrastructure development. Many of these supply chains involve resource-intensive processes, including transportation, packaging, and energy use, all of which generate emissions.
How is Climate Change Impacting Travel?
Many destinations already face the effects of a changing climate. Rising sea levels threaten coastal resorts, unpredictable weather disrupts travel plans, and biodiversity loss affects the very landscapes and wildlife experiences travelers seek. These challenges make it clear: adapting to climate change isn’t optional—it’s necessary for the industry’s long-term viability.
But adaptation alone isn’t enough. If we want to protect the places we love, the tourism industry must take proactive steps to reduce emissions and mitigate future damage—by transitioning to cleaner energy, making supply chains more sustainable, and rethinking how we move and operate.
What Can You Do?
Despite the many challenges, the tourism industry has a unique opportunity to drive positive change. No matter your role in the travel industry, there are steps you can take to reduce emissions and make your business more climate-resilient.
Measure Your Carbon Footprint: Start by understanding where emissions come from in your operations. Free carbon calculators and sustainability tools can help.
Reduce Energy Use: Switch to LED lighting, invest in energy-efficient appliances, and explore renewable energy sources.
Rethink Transportation: Support train travel and other lower-carbon transport options where possible. If flights are necessary, consider efficient routing and fuel-saving initiatives.
Minimize Waste: Reduce single-use plastics, cut food waste, and source supplies sustainably.
Engage Staff and Guests: Encourage responsible choices, from linen reuse programs in hotels to carbon-conscious booking options.
Offset Remaining Emissions: Invest in high-quality carbon offset or carbon removal projects that help balance out unavoidable emissions.
Partner with Businesses that Take Climate Action: Choose to work with suppliers, accommodations, and tour operators who have clear climate action strategies or are actively restoring nature, biodiversity, and ecosystems. Collective action strengthens impact.
The Path Forward
Addressing climate change in tourism isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Whether you're an operator, destination marketer, or hotelier, every effort helps move the industry toward a lower-carbon future. By taking action today, we can ensure that travel remains a force for good, preserving the places and communities we love for generations to come.
Tourism Cares recently partnered with Tomorrow’s Air to create a Climate Action Course designed to help businesses take meaningful steps toward sustainability. The course offers concrete strategies to start climate action planning from scratch and provides connections to additional resources.
Ready to take the next step? Click below to sign up for the course today!