Over the past two centuries, human activities have substantially increased the emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The increase of greenhouse gases means more heat is trapped in the Earth’s atmosphere, resulting in rising temperatures and extreme weather events. This phenomenon is known as climate change. As an energy-intensive industry, tourism plays a significant role in contributing to climate change, primarily through transportation and consumption. Given the adverse effects of climate change on the environment and human well-being, sustainable tourism has emerged as a vital paradigm for the tourism industry. This paradigm encourages businesses to minimise environmental harm while actively contributing to the planet's well-being. This article will explore the relationship between tourism and climate change and provide sustainable tourism practices that your business can implement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The link between tourism and climate change
The tourism industry bears responsibility for nearly ten percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Among the various types of greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide (hereafter referred to as CO2) accounts for over eighty percent of all greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere, constituting approximately 76 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions. CO2 emissions primarily result from the combustion of fossil fuels (such as gas, coal, or oil) for transportation and energy purposes. The tourism industry stands out as one of the most energy-intensive sectors, relying on fossil fuels for transportation, accommodation, and food services. Moreover, the industry generates a substantial volume of both organic and inorganic waste, releasing CO2 when this waste is incinerated or decomposed. In fact, tourists generate an annual waste amounting to 1.3 billion tons, representing four to eight percent of the global waste total.
Understanding the business impact
Climate change escalates the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, droughts, hurricanes, and wildfires. These events pose a serious threat to tourist destinations and the industry's sustainability. They result in biodiversity loss, damage to cultural and historical heritage sites, and render areas uninhabitable for both animals and humans. Furthermore, they can tarnish a destination's reputation, fueling tourist concerns and challenging access to essentials like water and food. These events also negatively impact business management, causing increased insurance costs or even legal consequences like fines and sanctions for tour operators found to be contributing excessively to CO2 production. In the Middle East, which has many arid regions, it is especially challenging to consider a future with more intense heat waves and droughts.
In response to the threats posed by climate change, sustainable tourism has gained global prominence among tourism operators. Embracing a sustainable tourism model is not only a responsible choice but also a savvy business opportunity, as travellers increasingly select tourism businesses and destinations based on their sustainability track record. There is a growing demand for sustainable offerings, and consumers are willing to pay for them.
Strategies to become a sustainable tourism business
In this section, we will introduce several sustainable tourism practices that your business can adopt to mitigate CO2 emissions and ensure the long-term viability of both your enterprise and the destinations you cater to. To implement these practices successfully, it is crucial to engage in collaboration with a wide array of stakeholders, both public and private, along with destination communities. Additionally, it is essential to involve your employees and guests by conveying the significance of fostering sustainable practices within your business.
Measure your carbon footprint
The initial step involves measuring, monitoring, and reporting the amount of CO2 emissions your business generates. This measurement can be achieved by collecting data on energy consumption and fuel usage obtained from electricity and fuel invoices. It is crucial to continuously monitor these emissions by periodically taking measurements to ensure they align with your carbon neutrality objectives. Additionally, transparently reporting these emissions to customers and relevant stakeholders can demonstrate your commitment to sustainability, potentially increasing customer loyalty and enhancing your credibility. To begin measuring your CO2 emissions, a carbon emission calculator with detailed guidelines is available for Sharjah here. Starting to measure your carbon footprint will also make sure your business is aligned with UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 initiative.
Use eco-friendly transportation and experiences
Transportation is often a key component of tours, involving vehicles like cars, buses, and boats, many of which rely on fossil fuels, creating CO2 emissions. Tour operators should consider adopting electric vehicles or incorporating public transportation into their itineraries when feasible. Electric vehicles, with their minimal CO2 emissions (excluding those from power plant energy generation), serve as a sustainable branding opportunity that appeals to many tourists. Also, public transportation adds authentic and localised tour experiences. In Sharjah, a great option to travel without a car is using Sharjah’s City Sightseeing Bus or renting bikes along the Al Majaz waterfront. Tour offerings can also be curated to include CO2-free experiences like hiking, cycling, and sailing, aligning catering to eco-conscious travellers seeking adventure and nature-based experiences.
Reduce waste produced
The incineration of organic waste, such as food waste, in landfills, and the decomposition process of inorganic waste, like plastics, contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases like CO2 and methane. Surprisingly, the tourism industry contributes to approximately ten percent of the total global food waste, with food waste itself responsible for six percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. To combat this issue, businesses can minimise waste by carefully assessing purchased items, buying food in bulk, and encouraging tour participants to bring their own water bottles. An effective waste reduction strategy entails a sustainable management model that minimises item consumption at the chain's outset and promotes recycling or reusing at the end. For more insights on sustainable waste management, refer to our article on sustainable tourism and waste.
Keep it local
Last but not least, keeping your tours and businesses localised within a specific area or community is an effective means to reduce carbon footprints and ensure that economic benefits circulate within the region. Conducting tours and events within a defined area minimises travel distances and reduces vehicle usage. Additionally, sourcing ingredients and items locally shortens transportation distances and offers participants and visitors authentic experiences. Localising businesses can also prevent financial leaks and ensure that resources contribute to both the local economy and the success of your enterprise.
Moving forward
The article discussed the tourism industry's impact on climate change, its threats to industry operations, and implementing sustainable tourism practices to reduce CO2 emissions while creating new business opportunities. Now, it's your turn to embrace these practices and monitor your impact by joining the Sustain Sharjah community.