At the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28), the UNWTO convened industry leaders to showcase significant strides in fulfilling the climate action commitments outlined in the Glasgow Declaration for Tourism. Timed to align with this pivotal climate conference, the Declaration has been formally integrated into the Global Climate Action Portal of the UNFCCC.
Progress in Climate Action Plans for Tourism:
Originally introduced at COP25 in Glasgow (2021), the Glasgow Declaration garnered commitments from signatories to achieve zero by 2050 at the latest. Signatories further pledged to develop dedicated Climate Action plans aligned with the Declaration’s Five Pathways (Measure, Decarbonize, Regenerate, Collaborate, and Finance). In Dubai:
The UNWTO presented collective advancements through the inaugural Glasgow Declaration Implementation Report (2023), with 261 out of 420 signatories submitting Climate Action Plans.
Among these, 70% showcased efforts to measure CO2 emissions related to some or all of their operations, underscoring the need for consensus on measurement methodologies and boundaries.
Diverse approaches to decarbonization within these plans offer a comprehensive repository of actionable measures for various stakeholders, emphasizing the value of collaborative efforts to address climate change effectively.
Exhibition Booth Highlights and Recognition:
Several signatories, including the Canary Islands, Bucuti & Tara Resort, Lamington Group, Ponant Cruises, Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative, Guava Amenities, and Winnow, will present their initiatives at the exhibition booth “Transforming the way we Travel” (Blue Zone, 10-11 December). Recognizing the tourism sector’s dedication to accelerating climate action, the UNFCCC has incorporated the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism into the Global Climate Action Platform.
Insights from UNWTO Executive Director:
Zoritsa Urosevic, UNWTO Executive Director, emphasized the sector’s imperative to take action at all levels, urging Member States to endorse the Glasgow Declaration for an expedited transition towards the commitments of the Paris Agreement.
Concrete Climate Action at COP28:
An official COP28 side event focused on the tourism sector showcased its capacity for tangible climate action, encompassing emission measurement, decarbonization strategies, regenerative approaches for destinations, and innovative finance. Participants included the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, Iberostar Group, Radisson Hotel Group, the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, and NOAH ReGen.
Policy Guidance and Growing Impact:
During the side event, UNWTO released for public consultation the Policy Guidance supporting climate action by National Tourism Authorities. This initiative, part of the One Planet Sustainable Tourism Programme, involved the nomination of Climate Action Focal Points in 57 Ministries of Tourism to enhance capacity building on climate action.
As of November 2023, the Glasgow Declaration boasts 857 signatories from every continent and over 90 countries. Each commitment affirms support for the global goals set by the Paris Agreement, with signatories committing to halving emissions by 2030 and achieving Net Zero by 2050, accompanied by the annual publication of Climate Action Plans and progress reports.
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