The report, Climate Justice in Tourism: An Introductory Guide, aims to spark a much-needed debate on steps businesses can take to ensure no destination is left behind.
Against a backdrop of increasingly frequent and severe weather events, and with 2023 set to be the hottest year on record, the report urges the travel industry to urgently coordinate resources and partnerships for communities most at risk from climate change, particularly those heavily reliant on tourism. The report also calls for action to make emissions fairer, for example through a frequent flyer tax, given that 1% of the world’s population (mostly from richer countries) is responsible for more than 50% of aviation emissions, and emissions are expected to continue to rise.
The report’s findings are the result of an independent collaboration between the Travel Foundation, the University of Waterloo, Tourism Cares, the Centre for Responsible Travel (CREST) and Destination Caregivers. Climate justice is defined as “recognising the unequal responsibility that certain groups have for greenhouse gas emissions”, putting at the centre “those who are most vulnerable to climate change and often least responsible for causing it”.
While more and more travel companies are significantly increasing their investment in climate action, the report finds that published plans show little evidence of action to address climate risks, either to the companies or to the communities where they operate, nor do they take into account the perspectives of those communities. However, companies that work with their suppliers and the wider community in vulnerable destinations are likely to emerge stronger, with resilient supply chains and a better reputation. Tourism leaders can find new ways to collaborate at scale, coordinate support for small local businesses, and prioritize investments that strengthen the communities most dependent on tourism and most exposed to climate change.
Dr Bobbie Chew Bigby, lead author of the report, said:
“Climate action is partial if it ignores the unequal impacts and challenges of the climate emergency across supply chains, places and communities, and can even lead to unintended harm. That’s why, in addition to the clear social, ethical and environmental imperatives, our report highlights the significant business benefits and opportunities for those who take a climate justice approach – as well as the growing risks of not doing so. We hope this will encourage action-oriented conversations, particularly involving communities that are at the most vulnerable and currently not being heard.”
Organisations representing the travel industry have welcomed the report. The World Travel and Tourism Council said it “raises important questions” and that “we must now collaborate and partner with communities to find answers and build a fairer future”. The Global Alliance for Sustainable Hospitality called the report “a vital beacon guiding us towards a more equitable and resilient world”.
The report concludes with ten ideas “that could be quickly implemented” to scale up collaborative action for climate justice in tourism. For example:
A new global climate fund for travel and tourism will support green transitions and resilience building in vulnerable destinations.
Pilot projects focusing on key destinations and their critical climate-related issues, such as heat stress, water security or catalysing a green energy transition.
Mobilising the tourism industry as a first responder in times of crisis, supporting humanitarian agencies and local leaders by repurposing hotels, kitchens, resources and logistical expertise.
The project team would welcome the opportunity to engage with anyone interested in exploring how any of the 10 ideas in the report could be quickly brought to life.
Source: climatejusticeintourism.org