Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the rebound effect may absorb savings; that is, people travel more as travel
costs reduce due to fuel efficiency (Holden, 2007). While technological gains
are possible, there is also a time lag between inception and introduction to a
commercial fleet (Chapman, 2007).
In summary, Holden (2007) suggests that we need either massive improve-
ments in energy efficiency or a reduction in distance travelled. Therefore, while
improving energy efficiency is an important low-carbon strategy, and one that
makes good business sense, it will make only a marginal contribution to a low-
carbon tourism scenario of the future.
Sequestering carbon through sinks
One strategy to mitigate GHG emissions is to store CO
2
in biomass, such as
forests or other means (WTO, 2007), or to pay for emissions reductions else-
where (Broderick, 2009). As a result it is possible for industry and consumers
to mitigate GHG emissions through various carbon offsetting schemes. This is
one of the strategies suggested by the EU (COM, 2003) and offsetting is seen
as a solution by many airlines (Peeters, 2007). A plethora of schemes have
emerged in recent years linked to tour operators, airlines (see, for example,
IATA, 2008a) and independent organizations (see, for example, Climatecare,
2009). Such schemes enable individuals to calculate the carbon footprint of
their holiday, or other elements of consumption, and offer the opportunity to
offset the emissions through the purchase of equivalent emissions savings else-
where. Typical schemes include tree planting and energy-saving measures.
There is, however, a considerable degree of scepticism as to the value of
carbon offsetting. It may be used as a travel sector approach to reduce emis-
sions by seeking customer compensation when no attempt to reduce fuel use
is made (WTO, 2007). There are also issues about the viability of compensa-
tion schemes. For example, Boon et al (2007) highlight the lack of availability
of land for forestry compensation schemes, and forestry schemes only absorb
useful amounts of carbon once trees are fully grown; there is some uncertainty
as to the longevity of some schemes (Broderick, 2009). An alternative strategy
to afforestation is investment in alternative energy or energy-saving devices in
developing countries. Here, there are also ethical criticisms, since offsetting is
outsourced to developing countries where the cost is relatively low (Bachram,
2004).
Increasing the use of renewable energy
There is scope in the tourism sector to use renewable energy, such as solar,
wind or water power, either by on-site generation or by choosing a green
energy provider. Dalton et al (2007), in their analysis of tourism providers in
Australia, suggest there is interest in such schemes, subject to practical con-
siderations. There is, however, less scope to use renewable energy in the
transport sector, which is currently very reliant on fossil fuels. There has been
some attempt to utilize biofuels within aviation (Upham et al, 2009); however,
there is still doubt about the contribution this might make (Becken, 2009).
There are also questions about the large land-use requirements for biofuels
and the impact this might have on food production or carbon release from
