Easter is just around the corner, and a trip can leave a much more positive footprint than carbon footprints in the memory of the visitor and the community that receives them at each step.
The tourism industry, essential to the economy, is aware of this. In 2019, tourism accounted for 10.3% of global GDP and will return to its pre-pandemic levels in 2024, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). During this parenthesis, industry and citizens have reconsidered about travel practices, understanding that this recovery will only come together with sustainability. Since 2005, the United Nations program and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) have set sustainable tourism in six parameters: public health, social inclusion, biodiversity conservation, climate action, circular economy, and governance and finance.
Cepsa, which represents 35% of the energy supply for the aviation sector in Spain, wants to become a benchmark provider of sustainable fuel for aviation with an annual production that will reach 800,000 tons in 2030
Steps that leave a better mark
Air transport’s commitment to sustainability is resounding: the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Made up of 300 airlines in 120 countries, it agreed at its 77th general assembly that all of them reach zero emissions by the year 2050. This demanding mandate would mean eliminating some 21 gigatons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions in just three decades. How will it be done? For IATA, the key will be to increase the amount of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), replacing the fossil kerosene used by jets with biofuels.
Cepsa, which represents 35% of the energy supply for the aviation sector in Spain, wants to become a benchmark provider of sustainable fuel for aviation with an annual production that will reach 800,000 tons in 2030.
Less polluting cars and efficient driving
The planes will be a giant step. But the efforts of sectors that had never faced the problem of emissions like now are also appreciable. For example, the shipping company MSC Cruises has a ship powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), which will reduce the CO₂ emitted by up to 25%, and is preparing to launch the second.
It is up to the traveler to choose the least polluting means of locomotion and suitable for domestic tourism, which is expected to be the majority this season in Spain. Renfe announces that the train produces between 5 and 7 times less CO₂ emissions than the car and between 7 and 10 less than a flight. When buying certain tickets, your travelers receive an e-mail that compares the carbon footprint that their trip will produce compared to what it would generate with other means of transport.
Choosing accommodation also depends entirely on the tourist: more and more information is available to choose one involved in reducing its carbon footprint
Traveling by private vehicle is the most common on Easter breaks. Although only 65% of the electric cars contemplated in some government plans were registered in 2022, they continue to enter the market, encouraged by the benefits of the DGT zero label, silent driving and increasing performance. While the biofuels that already power competition engines and heavy transport reach ordinary traffic, hybrids and electrics represent the most ecological option. Among the fossil fuel ones, the least polluting ones can also be chosen, and only the driver, whatever his vehicle, can decide to step on the accelerator just enough to optimize consumption and emissions, an action that several cars reflect on their screen with the warning “ECHO”.
Leisure respectful of the landscape (and the peasantry)
Basic and important actions of sustainable tourism are in the hands of the traveler when he arrives at the destination: avoid the degradation of the environment without harming plants and animals; maintain the quality of life of the host community and respect its culture and historical heritage. Of course, refrain from throwing waste out of place, because even a biodegradable fruit can alter the natural food chain of that ecosystem.
Choosing accommodation also depends entirely on the tourist: more and more information is available to choose one involved in reducing its carbon footprint. Those who take care of their energy and water consumption, with good waste policies and preserving natural resources, are concerned with communicating it. In this search, initiatives such as the European Ecological Label, with more than 680 adhered establishments since 1992, or the specific seal of the platform are useful. online Booking for accommodations that meet the GSTC Criteria (Global Sustainable Tourism Council).
Eating from kilometer zero and without waste
Compensate for what can be avoided
Private conduct is increasingly responsible, but there is still a long way to go and traces to be erased… Business actions are imposed that, in addition to raising awareness among their users, offset the carbon footprint that cannot yet be avoided. This is what Cepsa does, which has balanced 42,000 tons of CO2 generated by its customers’ heating diesel this winter through reforestation actions that remove it from the atmosphere, and will eventually offset 55,000 tons.
This energy company’s commitment to sustainability was made clear in a recent statement by its CEO, Maarten Wetselaar: “We committed to transforming the company into a leading producer of green energy by 2030, investing between 7,000 and 8,000 million euros, and I have the conviction to achieve this goal. With support such as that of Cepsa, Spain will become one of the main European producers of green hydrogen and second generation biofuels”.
