There are many criteria for what can be considered a sustainable vacation, such as being mindful of the local environment and supporting local employment. However, the most debated aspect is likely that the vacation should not cause significant climate impact. About 80% of the average vacation’s climate impact [14] comes from transportation, and 20% from accommodation. Additional emissions arise from activities and food consumption.
Terms like “low carbon” or “climate-smart” vacations are not precisely defined terms, but it can mean something that has a significantly lower climate impact than more common alternatives. Based on this definition, no form of air travel can be considered climate-smart. For instance, flying with biofuels still causes non-CO2 climate effects, and the production of biofuels is usually energy-intensive and places pressure on biodiversity. The best choice for the climate is therefore to avoid flying altogether. Vacationing by train, bus, or electric car instead of flying is one of the most effective actions an individual can take to reduce climate impact.
See https://travelandclimate.org/ [15] and this report (in Swedish) [16] for various solutions.
About author:
Jörgen Larsson
Deputy programme director, associate professor, senior researcher, Department of Space, Earth and Environment, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg
My research aims to understand how consumption patterns can be adjusted to achieve politically set goals, such as climate targets. This involves developing goal scenarios with calculations of climate benefits from both technical and behavioral changes. My main focus is on analyzing political instruments aimed at achieving these goals, including how policies can be designed to both reduce emissions and be accepted by the public. I primarily work with the consumption areas of long-distance travel (air travel) and food. In addition,I am the vice program director for the Mistra program and lead the projects “Policy packages and public support” and “Company targets as a form of sustainable consumption governance.”
jorgen.larsson@chalmers.se
+46317723108
