A recent report published by Intrepid Travel reveals an interesting potential trajectory for future travel in light of current climate challenges.
With countries such as Greece, Italy, Canada, and Hawaii struck by harsh climate conditions and raging wildfires in recent summer seasons, the appeal of international travel – for many – has diminished.
The effects of extreme weather are degrading popular tourism destinations, changing the holiday experience and unbalancing local ecosystems.
Colder climates are also in the mix, with places such as Lapland in Finland experiencing unnerving warming trends. Rising sea levels also pose an imminent risk to popular hotspots, such as Venice, Amsterdam, Miami, New Orleans, and the Maldives. Studies show that by the year 2050, these delightful destinations may be teetering on the edge of survival.
Intrepid’s report, beyond highlighting potential challenges, offers intriguing solutions and actions for a travel ‘metamorphosis’. One concept involves the introduction of a ‘carbon passport’ that tracks your personal carbon emissions while travelling.
This would, in theory, encourage individuals to limit their carbon emissions to roughly 2.3 tonnes annually – a drastic reduction from the current annual per capita carbon footprint in the United States, measured at 16 tonnes.
This would involve government action, but it’s worth noting that some companies – airlines and cruise lines in particular – already offer customers the option to purchase carbon offsets.
Another forecast involves travel destinations, suggesting that holidaymakers may abandon typically sought-after, sunshine-laden destinations such as the Mediterranean, Canada, and Australia.
A preference for cooler climates such as Scandinavia, the Baltic regions, Belgium, Slovenia, and Poland may even supersede the former travel ‘hotspots’.
The report show destinations such as Machu Picchu, France’s Etretat Cliffs, Italy’s Cinque Terre, Barcelona, Bali, Venice, and Boracay are already suffering the effects of overtourism, rising sea levels, and fluctuating climate circumstances. Egypt’s pyramids and vast areas of infrastructure along Egypt’s Mediterranean coastline are also under threat.
Countries such as Albania, New Zealand, Canada, Costa Rica and Rwanda are already pioneering ‘Regenerative Travel’ schemes, which focus on sustainable, carbon-zero living economies that value, govern, and promote local Indigenous cultures. There is hope that other countries will follow these regenerative travel models.
Near the end, the report shines a spotlight on train journeys – besides hydrogen-powered aircraft and helium airships – as promising, viable alternatives integral to a low-carbon global travel future.
While individual and corporate choices can play visible roles in movement towards a more sustainable industry, the report insists that globally coordinated, legislative actions from governments will spur more urgent change.
In all, the report highlights the need for immediate action to create an enduring, sustainable future for travel and the ecosystems that harbour our explorations.
Would you be happy to have your carbon emissions more closely monitored and, if necessary, be asked to pay to offset these emissions or suspend travel until you have carbon credits on your passport?
Also read: Five of the world’s most sustainable travel companies
