A study by the University of Sydney (Australia) on the carbon footprint of tourist flows was published in the journal « Nature Climate Change ».
Global tourism grew by 7% last year. But the carbon footprint of holidaymakers is enormous. Tourism now accounts for 8% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.
The University of Sydney (Australia) studied tourist flows between 165 countries from 2009 to 2013. Researchers have counted emissions linked to air and car transport, but also those linked to catering, hotels and various purchases.
Tons of CO2 in the atmosphere
In 2013, tourism released 4.5 billion tonnes of CO2. And the trend is upward. In the top 5 polluters, the United States is first, followed by China, Germany, India and Mexico. Special mention can be given to domestic stays and exotic island destinations.