What is the carbon footprint we create on vacation and how to reduce it

Traveling connects us with the world and loved ones who live at a distance, but considering the climate crisis the planet is experiencing, it is necessary to reduce the emissions created by traffic, especially flights. "Like everything that runs on oil, airplanes emit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. At high altitudes, these gases have a greater warming effect than at ground level, so the impact of aviation is much greater than the impact of CO2 alone," they explain from green peaceand add that transport-related emissions from international tourism will increase by 45% by 2030while domestic tourism emissions will increase by 21%.

So it is well understoodThe impact of traffic on tourism corresponds to 22% of total traffic emissions and therefore it is essential to promote cooperation in order to develop this aspect.

According to a study published in The Nature of Climate Change, Human beings release more than 44,000 million tons of CO2 into the atmosphere each year; and tourism contributes up to 11% of these emissionsand flights make up the bulk.

In addition to the issue of transportation, certain consumer habits and poor waste management continue to worsen the outlook. For example, In Argentina, an average of 45,000 tons of municipal solid waste is produced dailys, which is equivalent to a ton of garbage every two seconds. And 60% of that waste ends up in the sea. The last provincial inventory of marine coastal litter (which covered a total area of ​​422,501 m2 and more than 20 coastal institutions participated in 21 cities in Buenos Aires), revealed a total of 40,331 registered litters, of which 84.5% consisted of plastics and cigarettes cigarette.

take action

UNWTO promotes commitment accelerate progress towards the development of low-emission tourism ensure that the sector contributes to international climate goals, and This implies that tourism is capable of reducing its carbon emissions by 50%.

But since you cannot reduce what is not measured, Carbon sink and other related organizations This summer they promoted different initiatives to call people to be aware of their actions holidays and reduce, among all of us, the emissions we create. There are already several online tools through which any individual can learn and become aware of their own greenhouse gas emissions and even neutralize them through certified bonds in sustainable projects, both in Argentina and in the region.

As an example, The Carbon Sink analyzed 3 types of travel what Argentinians are doing to find out what their carbon footprint is and the impact their transportation and accommodation is creating. So, for example, a family trip of a typical family of 4 from Buenos Aires to Pinamar by car has an average emission of 507 kg of CO2e. Traveling for two, by plane, round trip from Buenos Aires to Brazil generates approximately 1297 kg. CO2e. And a person traveling alone to New York by plane emits 2575 kg of CO2e.

What are the most influential parameters?

Traffic is the factor that has the greatest impact on the environment, therefore it is recommended, within the scope of the possibility, choose shared train or vehicles. Airlines are still a long way from implementing low-impact fuel flights, although research on the topic continues. As for accommodation, it is recommended to choose accommodation options with a lower impact on the environment, such as campsites, family homes or hotels with an environmental care policy (for example, laundry is not washed daily, but only on request).

The activities, purchases and consumption we do in each place also affect our emissions. That's why Greenpeace offers some practical tips for the new holidays:

1. Luggage: less is better. The less weight we transport, the less fuel the transport we use (airplane, minibus/bus, car) consumes.
2. Avoid single-use plastics. Make your own kit with a cloth bag, a metal straw and a reusable bottle and cutlery.
3. Respect the flora and fauna of the place. Whether you visit the sea, river, mountain, forest, desert. Take all the waste you create with you and don't feed the wild animals, and try to enjoy it without disturbing the natural rhythm of the place.

According to World Tourism Organizationsustainable tourism is one thattakes into account present and future consequences, not only economic for tourism, but also social and ecological. We are far from achieving zero impact, but we are getting closer to adding collective awareness to change habits. Companies, society and organizations must continue to work together.