UK government to investigate environmental cost of travel and tourism

London, UK - December 30, 2015:  Christmas lights decoration at Oxford street and lots of people walking during the Christmas sale, public transport, buses and taxies

The UK government’s Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has launched an inquiry into the environmental cost of travel and tourism.

The impacts of tourism and travel on the environment will come under the scrutiny of the British parliament, following the announcement last week by the EAC.

According to the committee, the tourism industry is responsible for around five per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

With emendations made in the UK Climate Change Act to include aviation and shipping in its zero emissions targets, the British government aims to address with its EAC inquiry whether it needs to take further action to offset waste and damage caused by the pressures of overtourism.

The committee will seek views on travel choices to inform the government’s forthcoming aviation strategy to 2050.

“Now that summer is here, families are looking forward to a well-earned holiday. But when we book a cruise, flights or visit a popular tourist destination, it’s easy to forget about the environmental impact our holidays are having,” EAC chair Mary Creaghy said.

“While there are some sustainable practices, we want to look closely at the government’s actions to ensure the economic, social and environmental impacts of tourism are minimised. We will publish a report early next year.”


Travel Weekly’s upcoming event, Travel DAZE, will tackle sustainability in all its forms, with former Greens leader Bob Brown, and Gardening Australia host and Logie winner Costa Georgiadis the headline speakers. You can view the full list of speakers by clicking here.

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