The UK has already legislated to reach net zero emissions by 2050, where any greenhouse gas emissions produced by the UK are balanced by the same amount being removed from the atmosphere. The UK has also committed to reduce emissions by 68% by 2030.

Climate change is a global threat. All industries need to look at reducing their carbon emissions, and the travel industry is no exception. As we set out in Tourism for Good, our roadmap for embedding sustainability into the recovery, there is an urgent need to further decarbonise across all elements of travel and tourism and to demonstrate how the industry can be part of a zero-carbon world.

Clearly transportation is a large part of the industry’s emissions, and Abta is working with Sustainable Aviation – an alliance of UK airlines, airports, manufacturers and air navigation service providers – on the transition to a low carbon aviation industry.

But it is also important to look at all the of ways travel businesses emit carbon - everything from hotel operations to retail stores, office premises to excursions. For many Abta members, these can be the areas where they can have the greatest influence.

We are supporting members by helping them to develop a sustainability approach which is right for their business. Our support programme provides a practical five-step process for adopting a sustainability approach to business.

We will be holding a free "decarbonising tourism" webinar for Abta members on 11 November, which will showcase action across the industry to transition towards net zero and will include a session from Sustainable Aviation’s Andy Jefferson.

This is an important time for tourism to demonstrate how it is decarbonising, and to learn from other sectors. 

Clare Jenkinson is head of sustainability at Abta. She is among several industry professionals to write for TTG to coincide with the Cop26 climate summit, whose columns will appear online over the coming days.