The UNWTO made an announcement at COP29 which cited our Tourism Emissions Study’s key finding – namely that tourism emissions have risen to 8.8% of global emissions as at 2019, and underlined the need for a science-based approach to decarbonisation of the tourism industry.
The UNWTO announcement is below:
Tourism Makes History at COP29 as 50 Countries Back Climate Action Declaration for Sector
For the first time in the history of the summit, COP29 featured a Tourism Day, with a First Ministerial Meeting dedicated to positioning tourism policy to support national climate goals. In Baku, public and private sector leaders recognized the significant impact of climate change on the tourism sector and its contribution to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. At the same time, they emphasized tourism’s potential to actively foster climate adaptation and regeneration strategies. Over 700 stakeholders participated in the Tourism Day events.
Governments united around climate action in tourism
The First Ministerial was chaired by Mr Fuad Naghiyev, Chairman of the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and included the COP29 President H.E. Mr Mukhtar Babayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan, UN Tourism, UNEP and UNFCCC.
Both UN Tourism Secretary–General, Mr Zurab Pololikashvili, and UNEP Executive Director, Ms Inger Andersen, underlined the need for a science-based approach, referring to advanced new research to be further adapted from the University of Queensland (an Affiliate Member of UN Tourism) indicating that tourism represents 8.8% of global emissions (including direct and indirect emissions).
At COP29, the global tourism sector made clear its commitment to positive transformation for a better future for our planet
For the full release, visit the UNWTO website here.