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April 12,2024

Net Zero Tourism: A New Trend in the Tourism Industry

"Net zero," or "zero emissions," refers to a state of balance between the amount of greenhouse gases produced by human activities and the amount of greenhouse gases removed from the atmosphere. This means that, over a certain period, the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the environment equals the amount of greenhouse gases absorbed or removed from the environment.

Net zero is crucial for addressing climate change. Achieving Net Zero goals will prevent global temperature rise from exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius, a level scientists deem the safe limit to avoid the most severe impacts of climate change. To achieve this goal, countries worldwide must significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel use, industry, agriculture, transportation, and travel sectors.

During the COP26 conference held from October 31 to November 13, 2021, in Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom, parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change reached a common goal to achieve global net zero emissions by mid-century, thereby keeping global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Vietnam has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

At the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) in 2021, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh pledged that Vietnam would achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This is considered a strong commitment for a developing country heavily reliant on fossil fuels with relatively large greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, to realize this commitment, Vietnam needs the participation and contributions of society as a whole, especially from businesses nationwide.

Recently, the government has implemented various initiatives and action plans, such as mandatory greenhouse gas inventory audits for businesses with significant emissions, developing the domestic carbon credit market (establishing and refining policy mechanisms for carbon credit management, piloting implementation until 2027, and officially operating the carbon credit trading platform from 2028)...

In addition, Vietnam has committed to ending deforestation by 2030, not building new coal-fired power plants after 2030, and phasing out coal-fired electricity by 2040. These commitments demonstrate Vietnam's high determination to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

What is Net Zero Tourism?

"Net zero tourism" is a form of tourism that does not harm the environment during its operation. In this type of tourism, travel, and tourism businesses are given a significant role in taking positive actions to preserve and restore the integrity of nature. Through nature-based solutions and reducing carbon emissions, the goal of "net zero" in the tourism industry can be achieved.

Benefits of Net Zero Tourism:

Net zero tourism is not only a new trend but also a strategy that brings significant benefits to both tourists and the environment. First and foremost, it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions from tourism activities, contributing positively to the world's efforts to combat climate change.

This reduces negative impacts on the environment, and creates a positive and meaningful travel experience for tourists, as they have the opportunity to participate in environmentally friendly activities and explore sustainable destinations.

Therefore, to build a sustainable tourism environment, the tourism industry needs to promote positive actions to restore nature, and reduce carbon emissions, while also engaging in economic and social activities for local communities. One of the key focuses of the tourism industry is Net Zero Tourism.

Activities towards Net Zero Tourism:

Sustainable Transport and Destinations: Use high-energy-efficient transportation and promote the use of public transportation. Choose tourist destinations certified as sustainable, supporting natural conservation and maintaining local culture.
Community-friendly Tourism: Engage in activities such as trekking, kayaking, or snorkeling with minimal environmental impact. Support local communities by prioritizing their services and products.
Education and Awareness: Organize educational activities to enhance awareness of sustainable tourism. Share information about the benefits of Net Zero Tourism and encourage people to participate in minimizing the impact of tourism on the environment.