A report by Intrepid Travel and The Future Laboratory warns of the consequences of not taking action to address the environmental impact of travel, particularly the role of carbon emissions.
The report suggests that if we continue on the same path, travel will face significant challenges in the coming decades. It emphasizes that extreme climate events are no longer a distant threat and are now impacting popular tourist destinations around the world. The report notes that travel contributes to 8% of global CO2 emissions, with flying accounting for 2.5% of that total.
The report envisions a future where carbon passports become the norm, imposing personal carbon emissions limits on travelers, effectively rationing the amount of flying individuals can do. Experts recommend limiting individual carbon emissions to 2.3 tonnes per year, while the current UK average is 11.7 tonnes. Real-time mobile apps are expected to help individuals monitor and manage their carbon footprints.
The report also predicts that some destinations may become inhospitable due to climate change, forcing travelers to explore such places in virtual reality. Armchair travel, like the 360-degree videos and virtual tours used during the COVID-19 pandemic, could become increasingly common.
As climate change reshapes travel preferences, destinations offering cooler climes, like Scandinavia and the Baltic region, may become more popular. High-traffic areas experiencing over-tourism may implement rules and regulations to combat these issues, such as visitor caps, tourist taxes, and rental restrictions.
The report also suggests that the future of travel could involve a shift toward decarbonization, community involvement, education, and empowerment. Regenerative travel practices can put more money into the hands of local communities, providing meaningful and responsible travel experiences.
Additionally, innovations like night trains, luxury locomotion, and AI tracking of carbon footprints may help travel evolve toward more sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. The report emphasizes the need for a “now-or-never” approach to guide the travel industry away from unsustainable values and toward a more environmentally friendly future.