The First In The World, This City Measures Tourists' CO2 Emissions

Valencia. (Wikimedia Commons/Aktron)

JAKARTA - For the first time in the world, there is a city that measures the level of CO2 emissions of tourists who come. The city is, Valencia.

Having an annual visitor rate of 2 million people, the third-largest city in Spain is taking environmental measures, reducing the carbon footprint left by tourists.

The city produced a report that found tourists contributed 1.3 million tons of carbon emissions, reports Euronews. It is hoped that this will set a valuable precedent globally in providing certified references for similar projects in the future.

The report, created as a result of a collaboration between VisitValencia and Global Omnium, divides the sources of tourism-related greenhouse gas emissions into ten categories.

People prefer walking in Valencia. (Wikimedia Commons/El fossmaníaco)

This includes transportation to and from the city, accommodation, popular restaurants, recreation areas, sewage treatment, water management, or the infrastructure needed to support an influx of people.

Interestingly, 81 percent of all emissions come from people traveling to the city via airplanes and cars. Once in the city, transportation only accounts for less than 1 percent. This could be because Valencia has implemented walking and cycling in their city planning.

In 2019 it has succeeded in establishing 10 pedestrian paths in the city plaza, as well as seven other pedestrian paths on the pipeline. The city also has 150 kilometers of bicycle paths and 40 priority bicycle lanes.

Valencia admits they still have a long way to go to reduce their environmental impact as a thriving tourism destination. They are targeting carbon-free tourism by 2025, including increasing their natural area. Valencia already has parks of two million square meters, such as Turia Riverside Park.

One corner of the city of Valencia. (Wikimedia Commons/Jorge Franganillo)

There are also city aspirations to create an electric transportation system. Some studies show that while mountainous regions do wonders for biodiversity in much of Europe, they are at levels of energy poverty that could stifle progress like this.

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) believes that emissions from tourism transport are expected to account for 5.3 percent of all man-made CO2 by 2030. It is clear that the substantial contribution of travel to GDP at the global level needs to take this into account.

The solution? Turn to a scenario where each country is working to exceed the sustainability targets set for them in terms of transportation and consumption of goods and services.

Additionally, National Geographic identifies the 'three pillars of sustainable tourism' that are essential to making this work for everyone. Implement environmentally friendly practices, Protect cultural and natural heritage, and Provide tangible social and economic benefits to local communities.