Tourism Sets Precedent at COP29 as Fifty Nations Support Climate Action Statement for Industry
News Article: COP29 First Ministerial Meeting Boosts Climate Action in Tourism
The recent COP29 First Ministerial Meeting on Enhanced Climate Action in Tourism saw a significant boost in commitments and support for climate action within the tourism sector.
The meeting, held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, endorsed a Declaration on Enhanced Action in Tourism, which was signed by 50 countries and 8 non-state entities. This declaration reflects growing high-level support for climate action in the tourism sector, with many countries considering integrating tourism within their climate policies and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) [1].
The tourism sector collectively committed to reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, marking a concrete long-term vision for decarbonization. This is a significant step, given that the tourism sector contributes roughly 10% to global GDP, jobs, and emissions [1].
The meeting also highlighted several key areas of focus. For instance, there was an emphasis on sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy integration in tourism destinations to promote clean energy education and experiences, such as wind energy hiking trails [1]. Countries were encouraged to incorporate these tourism climate actions into their national climate strategies for more coherent and measurable mitigation efforts [1].
Furthermore, 92% of plans include decarbonization actions, while 73% of plans include actions related to biodiversity protection [1]. Additionally, 82% of signatories with plans report working in partnership with others [1].
However, a challenge remains in the area of finance actions, with only 44% of plans referring to finance actions [1]. This is an area that requires more attention and investment to ensure the successful implementation of these commitments.
The meeting also saw the signing of the Glasgow Declaration by the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan, Minor International, and 58 other entities [1]. The Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism currently has 900 signatories and 370 action plans developed.
The partnership aims to continue the process to COP30 in Belem, Brazil in 2025, and support the transformation of the tourism sector towards a low-carbon, sustainable, and resilient future [1].
In terms of adaptation measures, 41% of plans include climate adaptation actions, and 29% of plans refer to climate justice [1]. These commitments underscore the comprehensive approach being taken to address the challenges posed by climate change in the tourism sector.
In sum, COP29’s First Ministerial Meeting on Tourism enhanced political support, firm emission reduction commitments, and integration of tourism in climate action plans, signaling a pivotal step toward sustainable and regenerative travel aligned with the Paris Agreement goals [1].
- The tourism sector's commitment to reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 was endorsed at the COP29 First Ministerial Meeting.
- The Declaration on Enhanced Action in Tourism, signed by 50 countries and 8 non-state entities at the meeting, indicates growing support for climate action in the tourism sector.
- Many countries are considering integrating tourism within their climate policies and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as a result of the COP29 meeting.
- Sustainable infrastructure and renewable energy integration in tourism destinations, such as wind energy hiking trails, were emphasized at the COP29 meeting.
- The meeting highlighted the importance of incorporating tourism climate actions into national climate strategies for effective mitigation efforts.
- The Glasgow Declaration, signed by various entities at the meeting, aims to support the transformation of the tourism sector towards a low-carbon, sustainable, and resilient future.
- Data shows that 92% of plans include decarbonization actions, while 73% of plans include actions related to biodiversity protection, and 82% of signatories work in partnership with others.
- A challenge identified at the meeting was the finance actions area, with only 44% of plans referring to finance actions, requiring more attention and investment.
- The partnership formed at the COP29 meeting will continue until COP30 in Belem, Brazil in 2025, aiming to address climate change challenges in the tourism sector through sustainable and regenerative travel aligned with the Paris Agreement goals.
