Travel and Work
The Frog will explore The Climate Action Handbook: A Visual Guide to 100 Climate Solutions by Heidi Roop in the first 100 days of 2024
In the first `100 days of 2024 we will explore 100 climate solutions that may “empower you to evaluate, engage, and act” to address on-going climate change as an individual on your terms.
If we want to address climate change, we are going to have to change. The change is going to have to include the things we like to do, and this includes tourism. Tourism is an important driver of local economies, but it comes at a heavy cost to the environment. It is estimated that 8% of global GHG emissions are connected with tourism and the bulk of that is from transportation. And global tourism is expected to grow, especially as new wealth drives more people to travel.
I hope to get permission to use the graphic on the various modes of travel from Heidi’s book, and when I do, I will update this. We have choices on what we do and where we go, and conscientious travelers will plan their trips and make transportation choices that limit their emissions. It is important to make the connection between our transportation choices and emissions if we want to make an impact on climate change.
One of the easiest first steps is to simply replace a trip that involves a domestic flight, which typically results in the greatest emissions. Camping at close-by state or national parks, family car trips with fuel efficient vehicles or EVs, Amtrak or bus trips all are lower emission alternatives. The good news is that long-haul (overseas) trips are typically more efficient with lower emissions, so travel to countries with efficient public transportation, especially high-speed rail (sadly lacking in the US) can be low-emission adventures.
In providing this insight, Heidi would like us to equip ourselves with an in-depth understanding of these alternatives and hopes to “encourage critical thought about the best path to that next beach vacation, cruise, mountain getaway, or family reunion.”
Next Up: Climate Action in 2024 – Day 17: Seek Out Eco-Friendly Accommodations
Howard Creel
#rescuethatfrog
Email: rescuethatfrog@gmail.com