Vacation or environment? This is how long-distance travel endangers our climate!

Vacation or environment? This is how long-distance travel endangers our climate!

The debate about CO2 emissions in tourism is becoming more urgent because the impact of travel on the climate cannot be ignored. Today, June 12, 2025, tourism appears as a significant factor contributing to global warming. Tourism and long-distance travel cause high CO2 emissions, which also increase faster than overall emissions. According to a report by Perspective Daily this development is alarming.

Between 2009 and 2019, emissions from the tourism industry grew by 3.5% annually. At this rate of growth, emissions would double every 20 years. Air traffic is particularly 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 trips is significant: in 2023, 9% of all trips from Germany were over 3,500 km, which represents the highest proportion of long-distance trips that has been measured to date.

The influence of aviation

Amazingly, this 9% is responsible for 50% of total aviation emissions in the tourism sector. The figures show that 48% of travelers flew in Europe in 2023 - for the first time more than those who traveled by car (42%). Only 5% relied on trains and buses. This puts the focus on the need to think about alternative travel options, emphasizes Harald Zeiss. He calls for a discussion about sustainable travel options in the climate crisis, especially given the high CO2 emissions from aviation.

The impact of aviation on the climate should not be underestimated in the EU. According to information from the European Parliament Aviation and shipping each account for around 4% of the EU's total greenhouse gas emissions. These sectors show a disproportionate increase in emissions, due to increasing passenger numbers and trading volumes. Only recently have serious approaches to reductions in these areas been underway around the world.

EU objectives and measures

The EU has formulated ambitious goals: emissions should be reduced by 55% by 2030, with the long-term goal of climate neutrality by 2050. To this end, the European Parliament is drawing up proposals to reduce emissions from aviation and shipping. The proposed measures include the inclusion of shipping in the emissions trading system and a revision of the system for air transport. The development of sustainable fuels for aircraft and ships also plays a central role.

In order to reduce the unsustainable CO2 emissions caused by travel, an individual CO2 budget is being discussed in addition to increasing CO2 taxes. This could work similarly to European emissions trading and could make flying significantly more expensive in the long term, as in the 1980s. However, the implementation of these ideas remains unrealistic, but a rethink must take place, as every German currently emits around 10 tons of CO2 per year - while only around 2 tons would be climatically acceptable.

Reflecting on our travel economy, especially in light of the climate crisis, is essential. If the numbers continue to rise at such an alarming rate, it might be time to fundamentally think about our travel habits and the need for long-distance travel.