Vacation or environment? So long -distance trips endanger our climate!
Vacation or environment? So long -distance trips endanger our climate!
Berlin, Deutschland - The debate about CO2 emissions in tourism is becoming more urgent, because the effects of traveling on the climate cannot be ignored. Today, on June 12, 2025, tourism appears as an important factor that contributes to global warming. Tourism and long-distance travel cause high CO2 emissions that also rise faster than the overall emissions. According to a report by Perspective Daily this development is alarming.
Between 2009 and 2019, the emissions of the tourism industry grew by 3.5%annually. With this growth rate, emissions would double every 20 years. Air traffic in particular is problematic: it causes 49% of emissions in tourism. However, these statistics cannot be broken down between holidaymakers, business travelers and private visitors. The increase in long -distance travel is significant: In 2023, 9% of all trips went from Germany over 3,500 km, which is the highest proportion of long -distance travel that has been measured so far.
The influence of aviation
Surprisingly, these are responsible for 50% of total flight emissions in the field of tourism. The numbers show that 48% of travelers flew in Europe in 2023 - for the first time more than those who traveled by car (42%). Only 5% rely on train and bus. This focuses on the need to think about alternative travel options, emphasizes Harald Zeiss. He calls for a discussion about sustainable travel opportunities in the climate crisis, especially in view of the high CO2 emissions through aviation.
The effects of aviation on the climate should not be underestimated in the EU. According to information from European Parliament and shipping each other. Greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. These sectors show a disproportionate increase in emissions due to rising passenger numbers and trading volume. There have only recently been serious approaches to reduction in these areas worldwide.
goals and measures of the EU
The EU has formulated ambitious goals: by 2030, emissions are to be reduced by 55%, with the distance destination of climate neutrality by 2050. The European Parliament is developing proposals to reduce emissions from aviation and shipping. The proposed measures include the inclusion of shipping traffic into the emission trade system and a revision of the system for air traffic. The development of sustainable fuels for aircraft and ships also plays a central role.
In order to reduce the no longer portable CO2 emissions through travel, an individual CO2 budget is also discussed in addition to increasing CO2 taxes. Similar to the European emission trade, this could work and could make flying much more expensive in the long term, as in the 1980s. However, the implementation of these ideas remains unrealistic, but a rethink must take place, since every: R Germans are currently emitting about 10 tons of CO2 a year - while climatically portable are only about 2 tons.
Reflection on our travel industry, especially with regard to the climate crisis, is essential. If the numbers continue to rise so alarming, it could be time to fundamentally think about our travel behavior and the need for long -distance trips.
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| Ort | Berlin, Deutschland |
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