CO2 emissions in Ecotourism
Traveling, or transport in general, is one of the biggest sources of global carbon emissions (26% of global CO2 in 2004), the cause of .
| Fuel consumption per 100 km/person
|
|---|
| Coach
|
1,0 litre
|
| Train
|
2,0 litre
|
| Automobile
|
6,4 litre
|
| Airplane
|
9,1 litre
|
| Source: WWF and Deutsche Bahn
|
2 buses and trainsless environmentally damagingThe Union of Concerned Scientists developed a set of tips for travelers in the United States based on their analysis.
Motor coaches [the bus] often are the greenest option. A couple traveling on a motor coach will generate nearly 50 percent less global warming pollution than they would driving a fuel-efficient hybrid car.
Big SUVs and first-class flights generally pollute the most. A passenger occupying a first-class seat is responsible for twice as much carbon dioxide pollution as one in a standard coach seat.
For couples and solo travelers, a nonstop coach flight almost always beats an average car. Air travel is often assumed to be the worst option for vacation travel, but auto pollution can add up, especially when vacationers drive long distances or travel with few passengers. If traveling alone or with one other person, vacationers are usually better off flying direct in coach than getting behind the wheel. This is especially true for trips of more than 500 miles.
A large, inefficient SUV emits nearly four times the global warming pollution of a highly efficient hybrid such as a Toyota Prius. If hybrids are not available, travelers should consider an efficient conventional car, which will cut pollution and fuel costs. Many car rental agencies now offer both efficient conventional vehicles and low-polluting hybrids. Consider the type of trip you are taking, as a hybrid will usually not give any fuel effeciency on the open road, as it relies on the braking and stopping of an urban area to generate its efficiencies.
Vacationers should schedule their trip wisely. Sitting in traffic eats up gas, which means more global warming pollution. Altering vacation schedules to avoid peak travel periods can save consumers time and money—and cut pollution. The sweet-spot for a modern sedan car, is usually around 90km/h, which gives the greatest number of kilometres per litre of fuel. It is often lower for a SUV. Allowing extra time for your trip can reduce fuel costs and carbon emissions.
On other continents there are different low-emission options available, like extensive rail links, coastal ferries, etc.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Ecotourism
