A framework to help destinations manage carbon risk from aviation emissions

Global tourism is booming, and so is demand for air travel. Recognising that travellers come with a carbon footprint increases the complexity of decision-making for destinations that seek to attract more visitors. The carbon risk inherent in travel to and from a destination could be substantial but current approaches of accounting and lack of transparent data impede a full understanding of exposure and trends. This research therefore takes a demand-focused approach and proposes ten carbon risk indicators that help destinations assess their absolute and relative risk to the economic, financial, social and environmental costs of carbon. The analysis generates global benchmarks for carbon-, passenger- and itinerary-related indicators, and presents a list of most exposed destinations, approximated by departure airports. A comparative assessment of four airports highlights how differences in passenger volumes, geography, route network and travel behaviour by markets influence exposure. Recommendations for destinations are provided.