Towards Net-Zero Emissions in the Global Tourism Industry

Abstract

Tourism is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, and while the tourist industry is seen to have an important role to play in addressing net-zero emissions, this role has received limited attention in the academic tourism literature. This paper looks to contribute to filling that gap by exploring how the tourism industry is addressing the challenge of net-zero emissions. The paper employs a qualitative evidence synthesis approach, which reveals that many tourism companies are looking to address the transition to net-zero emissions, and provides an outline of how some of the major players within the tourism industry are approaching this transition. By way of a reflective conclusion, the author raises four wider sets of issues, relating to the concept of net-zero emissions, the role of natural capital solutions and offsetting, technological solutions, and the relationship between the net-zero transition, growth, and sustainability. Keywords: climate change, net-zero emissions, greenhouse gases, carbon, tourism