How much does tourism pollute?

An Indian proverb says that traveling to discover new countries helps us find the continent within ourselves. But what happens when the countries we want to discover are polluted precisely by our desire to know and visit them? In other words, what is the connection between pollution and tourism? They call it death by tourism: the gradual and scientific demise of highly sought-after destinations because residents outnumber tourists, or because the territory is being exploited and plundered by completely unsustainable tourism. This is one of the consequences of a constantly growing phenomenon, overtourism , of the lack of sensitivity on the part of many unlikely travelers, and of certain objective circumstances, in terms of pollution, linked to tourism.

Index of topics

Carbon dioxide emissions

From arrival at the airport, train station, or highway toll booth, to departure, and throughout our stay: as tourists, we pollute almost more than when we're in our home country. Starting with carbon dioxide emissions. According to research from the University of Sydney, these emissions increase when we travel, as we tend to spend more on transportation and shopping, resulting in higher carbon emissions . These emissions are much higher than we would be responsible for where we live. In short, on vacation, according to the Australian university study, we're responsible for approximately 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This figure is compounded by 2% of emissions from civil aviation, resulting from the combustion of carbon dioxide, and 1% from hotels, B&Bs, and all other accommodations. A night's stay in a hotel, the most polluting option, releases 6,9 kg of CO2 into the environment.

Tourism transport and CO2

Transportation is one of the main factors responsible for tourism-related pollution. The increase in international flights, rental cars, and local transportation has led to a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions. According to some estimates, transportation accounts for approximately 75% of tourism-related CO2 emissions. Air travel, in particular, is a major source of air pollution, negatively impacting climate change. The aviation industry is, in fact, one of the most polluting in the world, contributing significantly to the greenhouse effect.

How much do planes pollute?

An average 1.000-kilometer flight (such as from Milan to Rome) can generate approximately 200 kilograms of CO₂ per passenger, but this figure increases if the flight is longer or if the aircraft's efficiency is lower than average. At altitude, at 10.000 meters, airplanes emit not only CO₂ but also nitrogen oxides (NOx), which contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone. Ozone has a greenhouse effect and can be up to three times more harmful than CO₂ emissions. According to the European Environment Agency, air transport accounts for approximately 3-4% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

Tourism-related waste

However, it's not just air pollution that's a concern. The United Nations Environment Programme estimates that approximately 14% of all global solid waste is produced annually by the tourism industry alone, and that each individual tourist produces 1 or 2 kilograms of it every day, an average often higher than that of residents. This risks creating a tailspin where, unable to meet increased demand, waste ends up poorly disposed of, incinerated, or in illegal and unsanitary landfills.

Water consumption for tourism

And what about water consumption in the tourism sector? At first glance, it might not be a problem, but a closer look reveals the staggering waste of fresh and potable water, from swimming pools, spas, and whirlpools. This exploitation is unsustainable, considering the severe shortage of drinking water in some of the most popular holiday destinations: there isn't enough water to meet local needs, but there is plenty for irresponsible tourism.

Diving and water sports

Finally, even the activities we engage in during our dream vacations risk posing a threat to the ecosystem. This is precisely what happens with diving, snorkeling, and water sports in general, which can undoubtedly alter the fragile marine ecosystem by promoting water acidification and preventing coral reefs from reproducing.

Overtourism and pollution

Overtourism , or overcrowding, is another factor contributing to pollution. Some popular destinations are subject to incessant tourist flows, with devastating consequences for the environment. The massive presence of tourists leads to excessive consumption of natural resources, such as water and energy, as well as noise, visual, and air pollution. Protected natural areas, such as national parks and marine reserves, are often the most vulnerable to these pressures. The damage to natural ecosystems through the construction of tourism infrastructure, such as hotels and resorts, can lead to the loss of habitat for many animal and plant species. Furthermore, noise pollution and disturbance caused by human presence can alter the behavior of wild animals, impair their ability to reproduce, and reduce biodiversity. In large cities, and in cities of art in general, overtourism ends up putting pressure on the entire network of services (from local transportation to waste collection) and creating enormous inconvenience for the resident population, who are also penalized by the thriving businesses of locals who have transformed themselves into armies of bed and breakfasts. Thus contributing to the high cost of housing and the lack of housing available for residents.