Tourism faces rising climate risk. Learn why net zero matters, what the science says, and how destinations and businesses can move from pledges to action.
Climate change is no longer a distant risk for the tourism sector – it is a present and accelerating reality. From extreme weather events and biodiversity loss to disrupted visitor flows and rising operational costs, destinations and tourism businesses are already feeling the impact. In response, the EarthCheck Research Institute has released Tourism and the Road to Net Zero: Why Destinations Must Act Now, by Professor Susanne Becken and Dr Johanna Loehr, which outlines why climate action has become central to the future of tourism.
This blog post provides a practical overview of the report’s key findings, exploring why achieving net zero emissions by 2050 – with significant reductions required by 2030 – is not only an environmental imperative, but a strategic business decision. It also highlights the concrete steps destinations and tourism operators can take to move beyond pledges and toward meaningful, measurable climate action.
Why climate action in tourism matters
Tourism is built on place, people, and experience. When natural environments are damaged, infrastructure is disrupted, or communities are under pressure, the guest experience – and the future of destinations – is at risk.
Climate action is no longer about aspiration or image. It is about protecting the assets tourism depends on and ensuring businesses and destinations remain viable in a changing world.
The science is clear. Emissions must reduce sharply by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. For tourism, this requires action across transport, accommodation, experiences, and destination planning.
Destinations and businesses that act now benefit from:
- Greater resilience to climate-related disruption
- Reduced regulatory, financial, and compliance risk
- Stronger confidence from investors, insurers, and partners
- Clearer alignment across stakeholders and long-term planning
This is not about perfection. It’s about progress – and moving from pledges to practical action.
From pledges to practical action
As we continue to witness more extreme climate events – including heatwaves, storms, biodiversity loss, and disrupted visitor flows – climate action is no longer an optional “differentiator.” It is central to future-proofing the tourism sector.
Tourism plays a unique role in the climate challenge. The sector depends on pristine natural environments for its success, yet contributes to emissions through transportation, accommodation, tours, and activities. As such, tourism must contribute its fair share to mitigating the climate crisis while transitioning toward net-zero emissions as effectively as possible.
At the same time, investment in climate adaptation is essential. Destinations and businesses must protect assets, infrastructure, and operations from the shocks we are already experiencing – and those that will intensify in the years ahead.
Climate leadership makes business sense
Climate leadership is not just about responsibility. It makes strong business sense.
Governments around the world are introducing policies such as mandatory climate reporting, carbon pricing, and enhanced disclosure requirements. Understanding and responding to these legislative changes is critical for ensuring compliance, managing insurance relationships, informing investors, and reducing future legal and financial risk.
Larger organisations are already building climate literacy across their businesses, including among directors and executive decision-makers. This enables them to meet emerging legal requirements, reduce litigation risk, and make more informed long-term decisions.
Step 1: Internal mobilisation
Advancing climate action begins with understanding internal resources, capabilities, and support.
Understanding the challenge
At this stage, it is important to build a shared understanding of what net-zero means in practice, the climate risks relevant to a destination or operation, and the current carbon footprint. This foundation enables informed decision-making and realistic planning.
Engaging a team
No destination or business can deliver a net-zero pathway alone. Clear leadership, strong partnerships, and an internal team dedicated to driving action are essential. Establishing ownership and accountability helps maintain momentum and ensures progress over time.
Step 2: Understanding the external context
Once internal foundations are established, engaging the external context becomes critical.
Stakeholder engagement
Local business leaders, industry partners, and solution providers play a key role in shaping effective climate action. Involving stakeholders early supports collective learning, builds shared expertise, and creates a critical mass for collaboration and action.
Alignment with existing plans
Climate action should not exist in isolation. Existing government strategies, infrastructure planning, community development initiatives, and destination management plans can be leveraged to amplify impact and support long-term success.
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Step 3: Developing a roadmap with actions
The final phase is turning intent into delivery through a clear and actionable roadmap.
Establishing a roadmap
A well-defined roadmap formalises ambition, sets priorities, and aligns resources. It provides transparency, shared outcomes, and trust across stakeholders, helping ensure actions translate into measurable progress.
Identifying funding pathways
Additional funding through grants, aligned programs, or green financing can significantly enhance progress. Access to funding enables destinations and businesses to invest more deeply and accelerate meaningful action.
Prioritising actions
Actions should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Combining short-term “quick wins” with longer-term strategic initiatives helps sustain engagement while delivering long-lasting impact. Monitoring progress over time also enables confident reporting and accountability.
The time to act is now
The window for meaningful climate action is closing fast. By 2030, tourism emissions must be halved. Every destination has influence – through the policies it shapes, the partnerships it builds, the investments it directs, and the stories it tells.
Now is the time to move from pledges to practical action.
For the full article and further research, visit:
https://earthcheck.org/research/tourism-and-the-road-to-net-zero/
For support on your destination or business journey toward net zero, contact:
consulting@earthcheck.org