Sustainable travel: Because the good is so close

The travel industry plays an essential role in combating climate change. According to the World Tourism Organization UNWTO, around ten percent of employees worldwide work directly or indirectly in tourism, and the proportion of global gross domestic product is just as high. According to estimates, international tourism is responsible for eight to ten percent of global greenhouse gases. Long-distance travel by plane or cruise ship in particular causes high CO2 emissions.

• Upper Austria Today: Opening of the WeFair trade fair

In order to calm people’s guilty consciences, compensation models have been created – they are primarily aimed at air travelers. The consumer protection department of the Upper Austrian Chamber of Labor analyzed three private providers (Atmosfair, MyClimate Austria and Climate Austria) as well as the models of the airlines Lufthansa (parent of Austrian Airlines) and Ryanair. Anyone who takes part supports climate protection projects with a monetary payment. The construction of solar, biomass and wind power plants in developing countries is usually supported. Lufthansa also offers the opportunity to support research projects for sustainable aviation fuel. According to consumer advocates, it is important to pay attention to whether the projects have been tested and certified by independent institutes.

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