Each year, temperature records are broken and extreme weather events strike. July 22, 2024 , surpassing the .
Extreme weather events are impacting many tourism hotspots, such as the , the and the . Yet tourism continues to grow, and .
Climate change . On the one hand, the key components of tourism — transportation, aviation in particular, as well as accommodation — are major contributors to carbon emissions. Aviation emissions alone account for an estimated .
But, in turn, climate change also poses increasing and severe risks to tourism businesses. Beach holidays are threatened , and .
Until recently, the response to the climate crisis has focused largely on . This includes addressing the impacts of carbon emissions through mitigation (using technologies to prevent emissions) and adaptation (adjusting to climate change) in impacted areas.
However, needs to consider climate justice before undertaking any climate actions. We conducted in-depth interviews with a wide range of tourism experts to determine how the industry can play a role in a just transition.
Climate justice
The tourism industry’s engagement with climate justice is well overdue. The concept of climate justice first gained international recognition in 2000 when the at the Hague.
is an inclusive approach to climate action that centres the voices and needs of communities most impacted by climate change. Indigenous, Black and other marginalized communities are particularly vulnerable to the severe impacts of climate change.
As, Daniela Subtil, the network co-ordinator for Stay Grounded, a network of organizations promoting alternatives to aviation to address climate change, said:
“The impacts of the climate crisis that aviation contributes to are being felt… by marginalised, historically and systematically marginalised peoples. Yet there is a very tiny percentage of the world’s population flying.”
Climate justice recognizes that these communities often lack the resources needed to deal with the impacts of climate extremes. Despite contributing the least to the climate crisis, both historically and in the present, many of these communities — — are bearing the brunt of its consequences.
Our report highlights that low-income countries account for less than one per cent of travel and tourism emissions, but will suffer the most from climate change. Tourism emissions are disproportionately caused by a small percentage of the population that are primarily in the Global North.
A 2020 study, for instance, found that a small group of “” — just one per cent of the population — were responsible for .
A better approach to travel
Demands for climate justice are just as relevant to travellers as they are to the tourism industry. Whether it’s the need to better prepare for climate disasters at destinations or the potential increase in levies that the industry will pass onto consumers, travellers are not shielded from the effects of climate change.
Our report encourages a responsible approach to travel planning that urges travellers to take into account not only their carbon footprints, but also their broader impact on social justice.
This begins with recognizing the communities and environments impacted by tourists’ travel choices. Tourists should be aware that in communities dealing with climate change-related disasters.
A climate justice approach also normalizes the idea that in climate emergencies, .
Climate justice tourism
There are already existing examples of tourism that better aligns with the principles of climate justice. Often it is Indigenous communities leading the way, from to .
For instance, in Australia educates about the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage site, the impacts it faces from climate change and the Traditional Owners connected to the site.
Canada is also fortunate to be home to some unique examples of this type of tourism in action, including the off of the coast of British Columbia, which has always been .
Given the islands’ distinctive natural and cultural beauties, Haida Gwaii has become a popular tourist destination. In an attempt to assert control over tourism to their homelands and ensure visitors are following a path of responsible tourism, the citizens of Haida Gwaii have initiated the .
The pledge asks tourists to understand the responsibility of care that Haida have for their place and people. It invites visitors to join them in this care and be respectful guests during their visit. This is one example of transforming tourism relations for justice. It will become increasingly needed as climate change impacts hit harder and harder.
Ultimately, climate justice is a critical issue for all of us. Recent events prompt us all to commit to climate action with concern for more just outcomes. This may also transform tourism for the better.
Jeremy Smith, a climate specialist for The Travel Foundation, co-authored this article.
Bobbie Chew Bigby served as a consultant researcher. She also received funding from a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council grant to support the research for the report.
Freya Higgins-Desbiolles acted as an unpaid consultant researcher for the Travel Foundation for research on climate justice in tourism in 2023-24.
