Carbon & tourism pace getting hot

Latest report mist fearful ever, USA & China do deal, how long can tourism miss this massive opportunity

The latest report from the IPCC is the direst ever – it concluded, again, that human activity is causing rapid and dangerous global warming..

Human influence on the climate system is clear, and recent anthropogenic (human emissions effect) emissions of greenhouse gases are the highest in history. Recent climate changes have had widespread impacts on human and natural systems.

Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, and since the 1950s, many of the observed changes are unprecedented over decades to millennia.

The atmosphere and ocean have warmed, the amounts of snow and ice have diminished, and sea level has risen.

Enough? The report also looks at our planet’s biodiversity, it says that a large fraction of species face increased extinction risk due to climate change during and beyond the 21st century.

Most plant species cannot naturally shift their geographical ranges sufficiently fast to keep up with current and high projected rates of climate change in most landscapes; most small mammals and freshwater molluscs will not be able to keep up at the rates projected.

Marine species are also at risk due to the dual threats of warming oceans and ocean acidification, both of which are caused by carbon pollution from burning fossil fuels.

And food? About 70% of studies indicate that crop yields will decline as the Earth continues to warm after 2030, with a high chance that yields could decline by 25% or more by the end of the century if we continue on our current path.

And the good news? Substantial emissions reductions over the next few decades can reduce climate risks in the 21st century and beyond, increase prospects for effective adaptation, reduce the costs and challenges of mitigation in the longer term, and contribute to climate-resilient pathways for sustainable development.

SEE THE VIDEO HERE

READ THE BRIEF DOCUMENT HERE

And something IS happening – as a precurser to the major climate meeting this year in Lima and the crucial meeting next year in Paris – at least China and USA have got together to lead a deal – The U.S. set a new target to reduce its emissions of heat-trapping gases by 26 percent to 28 percent by 2025, compared with 2005 levels. That’s a sharp increase from earlier in Obama’s presidency, when he pledged to cut emissions by 17 percent by 2020.

China, whose emissions are still growing as it builds new coal plants, didn’t commit to cut emissions by a specific amount. But Xi set a target for China’s emission to peak by 2030, or earlier if possible. He also pledged to increase the share of energy that China will derive from sources other than fossil fuels. And China is driving ahead in the green race.

"This is, in my view, the most important bilateral climate announcement ever," said David Sandalow, formerly a top environmental official at the White House and the Energy Department. "It sends the signal the two largest emitters in the world are working together to address this problem."

And the travel and tourism industry? Forget about the fact that the whole industry only represents 5% – 8% of global emissions – these emissions are very, very valuable.

Most hotels/B&Bs and visitor attractions can save up to 20% of their energy costs if they get quality auditing and certification  – these savings can add up to trillions – PLUS they will help with reducing global warming.

Most transportation companies can save billions too, and make the world a cleaner, safer place.

What are we waiting for?

Valere Tjolle

See how to become an accessible, healthy, wealthy destination HERE