Tourism takes center stage in global climate action during COP30
At the climate conference held in Belém, Brazil, the tourism sector advanced with a stronger agenda on governance, adaptation and sustainable innovation, consolidating its role as a strategic ally in the fight against climate change
Tourism gained a central place in the COP30 discussions thanks to two thematic sessions organized by UN Tourism and the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism, which reinforced the sector's importance in climate change mitigation and adaptation. This edition marked a step forward from the recognition achieved at COP29, incorporating new tools, partnerships, and lines of action.
Among the most notable achievements was the presentation of the Plan for Accelerated Solutions (PAS), a global initiative driven by the UN High-Level Climate Champions. The PAS establishes a common framework for measuring and reducing emissions, strengthening the resilience of destinations, and protecting key ecosystems such as forests, oceans, and areas of high biodiversity.
COP30 also encouraged countries to integrate tourism into their national adaptation strategies, incorporating climate risk information into destination planning, promoting solutions driven by local communities, and applying circular economy principles to water use, waste management, and plastic reduction.
Innovation played a central role through proposals encompassing alternative fuels, reforestation projects, coral reef restoration, "blue carbon" solutions, and financial mechanisms that combine public and private resources to accelerate investments in resilient, low-carbon tourism.
The meeting also strengthened global cooperation with international organizations working on the sustainable transformation of the sector, promoting a collaborative approach between governments, businesses, civil society and communities to drive a more responsible tourism model.
Source: UN Tourism