By Ilana Strauss
This story is part of Treehugger’s news archive.
Learn more about our news archiving process or read our latest news.
The World Travel & Tourism Council has released new city tourism impact data
which shows that the world’s top ten fastest growing tourism cities are all in the east.
Asia Pacific City Travel & Tourism Impact is one of a series of reports by WTTC which looks at the contribution of Travel & Tourism to city economies and job creation.
The study covers 65 cities, 21 of which are in Asia Pacific.
The data shows that Asian cities are at the forefront of tourism growth over the next ten years. Chongqing (14% growth per year) heads the table, followed by Guangzhou (13.1%), Shanghai (12.8%) and Beijing (12%). The other cities on the top ten list are Chengdu (11.2%), Manila (10.9%), Delhi (10.8%), Shenzhen (10.7%), Kuala Lumpur (10.1%) and Jakarta (10%). With the world average growth rate at 4% per year, and Asia Pacific at 5.8%, these cities are significantly outpacing both the regional and global average.
Asia Pacific also includes some of the world’s largest Travel & Tourism cities.
Shanghai, with an annual tourism GDP contribution of US$30 billion is the largest
in the world, followed by Beijing (US$29 billion). Tokyo (US$20 billion) is ranked 6th in the world. Shanghai and Beijing together account for 21% of China’s Travel & Tourism economic impact (GDP), whereas Tokyo alone accounts for 18% of Japan’s total.
The dominance of the Chinese market is clear, both in terms of future growth and overall size and as a main source market for destinations in the wider Asia Pacific region.
The success of Chinese cities is largely driven by domestic business (as high as 94.5% of spend in Chongqing is domestic), and the Chinese outbound market is key for neighboring cities such as Tokyo (24% of spend is Chinese, the largest market) and Bangkok (38%).
Gloria Guevara, President & CEO, WTTC said “The power of Asian cities when it comes to driving the Travel & Tourism sector is clear to see in this new data.
However, not only do these cities contribute significantly to their country’s tourism sector, but tourism is also an important generator of economic growth and jobs within the cities themselves. With this level of forecast growth, the importance of investment in long term planning, infrastructure and sustainable public policies cannot be underestimated.
It is vital that city authorities understand the economic & environmental impact of Travel & Tourism, GDP and employment contribution, and not just visitor arrivals, as they seek to develop new products and opportunities to increase traveler spend and sustainable growth. WTTC has invested in this new research and data to support them in this ambition.
Other highlights from the report include:
Singapore’s Travel & Tourism has doubled in the past ten years,
to a total of US$12.4 billion in 2016 and supporting 164,000 jobs.
Tourism in Bangkok generates US$18.2 billion for the city each year,
representing 10% of the city’s economy and 50% of Thailand’s Travel & Tourism.
Delhi and Mumbai together generate over 1 million tourism jobs,
10% of India’s total tourism employment.
Macau is the most tourism intensive city in Asia Pacific,
with 27% of its economy a direct result of what tourism spend.
Eight cities in the study contribute more than 25% of their country’s Travel & Tourism economy: Auckland, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Seoul and Sydney.
Read more at: https://www.wttc.org/media-centre/press-releases/press-releases/2017/worlds-top-ten-fastest-growing-tourism-cities-are-all-in-asia/
Is China’s Po;;ution causing California drought.
Increasing air pollution over China in the past 50 years has reduced days of rainfall by nearly a quarter in the eastern half of the country—home to most Chinese people and pollution. Bad air is now likely affecting the country’s ability to grow food crops,
as well as causing a flood of health and environmental problems.
The study in the Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres links for the first
time high levels of air pollutants with conditions preventing the light rainfall critical for agriculture. The research suggests that reducing air pollution might ease the drought in north China.
In the last 50 years, southeastern China has seen increased amounts of total rainfall per year, while the northern half has seen less rain and more droughts. But the light rainfall that sustains crops has decreased everywhere. At the same time China’s population has more than doubled and sulfur emissions from fossil fuel burning have exploded to nine times their levels 50 years ago.
“Air pollution is exacerbated in a changing climate,” McCarthy told me.
It’s big part of the reason California has so much smog.
A lot of people like to imagine pollution respects national borders.
The reality is, it couldn’t care less. A new report found that pollution is traveling around the world and, in particular, moving from China to California.
“Pollution really doesn’t know boundaries,” explained Gina McCarthy, the former EPA administrator and director of the Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment at Harvard. “Nothing goes away. It ends up somewhere.”
That’s actually a big part of the reason California has so much smog.
“Scientists found Asian air pollution contributed as much as 65 percent of an increase in Western ozone in recent years,” NPR reported. “China and India, where many consumer products are manufactured, are the worst offenders.” A number of studies have come to similar conclusions, with one study finding “29% of particulates in the San Francisco area came from coal power plants in China.”
Pollution doesn’t stay in the air. It’s in our bodies.
Particles flow through air and water into our lungs and food.
“They end up in our bodies in detectable levels,” McCarthy said.
There, they cause a number of chronic diseases.
“Countries like China, India, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Vietnam are accumulating intolerable levels of pollution. In some of these countries, pollution is responsible for one in four deaths, far more than infectious diseases like malaria,” continued the report.
And the problem is getting worse.
Studies show that eight cities in California top the charts for most polluted U.S. cities. With this poor air quality, the possible health effects affecting Californians can be huge.
Because of this, many ask: What can Californians do to improve the pollution?
The answer may not be so simple.
Studies show that China and other Asian countries are the number one contributors to California pollution. This surprising fact may be a shock to some, but it’s a reality that Californians must deal with every day.
How exactly does China’s pollution affect California? And what can Californians do to combat the decreasing air quality to remain healthy?
Read below to find out the details on this and more!
China Pollution Documentary – Bing video
China has had a rapid increase in manufacturing over the last few decades.
This increase in manufacturing has come at a cost. Because China hasn’t enforced any strict regulations for manufacturing, pollution has become a major issue there.
Research shows that the number of sources of pollution in China has increased from
5.9 million in 2010 to 9 million in 2018. This 50% increase in eight years is huge. China has implemented environmental regulations in recent years, but many factories have ignored these rules.
China’s pollution problem is so dangerous that research shows that approximately
1.6 million Chinese citizens die each year from it. This is an alarming statistic.
It shows the huge impact pollution and air quality can have on people.
China’s Effect on California – Search (bing.com)
Over the last couple of decades, the United States has decreased its production of
air pollution by 50%. On top of that, California has some of the strictest environmental regulations in the United States. Despite these two factors, China pollution has been canceling out any improvement in air quality in America.
At first thought, increased pollution in China wouldn’t appear to have a huge impact
on California. The Pacific Ocean and 6,000 miles separate the two from each other.
However, it has been discovered that winds called the westerlies can and do carry pollution from China to California within days.
Because of this wind, the pollutants from China have caused a 65% increase in the Western Ozone – or, as it’s also referred to, smog. One study shows that 29% of the particulates in smog in San Francisco come directly from China’s coal plants.
These are startling numbers. It shows the huge impact China’s pollution is having on California pollution and California air quality. This increased pollution can create both short-term and long-term health problems for Californians.
Health Impacts From California Pollution
Californians are very familiar with smog. Most Los Angeles citizens check the Air Quality Index before planning outdoor activities. Everyone realizes that breathing in smog is unhealthy for you – but do you know the full extent of it?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that small particles in smog
can have huge health impacts. These particles can enter your lungs or bloodstream.
This can increase your risk of heart or lung disease.
It can also cause breathing issues and asthma attacks. Some of the long-term effects include chronic bronchitis and premature death.
Those that are most at risk are the following:
Anyone with heart or lung disease
The elderly
Children
Children are especially at risk because their lungs are still developing.
They also are more likely to suffer from asthma.
Poor air quality leads to an increase in asthma attacks.
Humans aren’t the only ones that suffer. Air pollution is also harmful to our environment. Trees and crops can show damage from increased air pollution, stunting their growth.
What Can You Do?
Unfortunately, there isn’t much the average Californian can do to combat
China’s ongoing pollution. This issue must be dealt with on an international level.
However, Californians can do something to help protect themselves from this pollution!
Statistics show that people spend about 90% of their time inside. Because of this, indoor air quality is extremely important. One of the best ways to improve your indoor air quality is by using air filters!
Air filters help remove particulates such as allergens, dust, VOCs, and ozone from the
air in your house or office. Properly using an air filter and replacing it every 3 months
can drastically improve your health. It can reduce your risk of allergies, asthma, and bronchitis.
When selecting your air filter, there are three different ratings to choose from:
Merv 8
Merv 11
Merv 13
Merv 8 is the standard, cheapest filter. It is great for nonsmokers and families without pets or allergies. The Merv 11 is the next option up — great for people with pets and allergies.
The Merv 13 air filter is the best and most expensive option. It can filter out smaller particles. It’s an excellent option for those with pets and allergies.
On top of the different ratings, there are many other filter options to take into consideration. To make sure you select the right filter for your situation,
please check out this blog!
On top of selecting the right filter, you must also make sure to replace your filter in a timely manner. Look out for the signs that it’s time to replace your filter. Most suggest replacing filters every three months. Once your filter is clogged, it won’t be able to do its job anymore.
Check Your Filter and Replace It Now!
As you’ve learned, China’s increasing pollution is negatively impacting California. Californians are breathing much more toxic air, and there isn’t much they can do about it. This California pollution can have huge short-term and long-term health impacts on its residents.
This pollution can make you feel hopeless, but there is something you can do.
Check your air filter, and replace it when needed! This simple action can have a huge positive impact on your health.
Do your research and select the air filter that is best for your home and your family. Please contact us if you have any questions on what air filter to select. Now, go out and find the right filter for your home! Once you do, you should be able to finally breathe easy!
World’s population increasingly urban with more than half living in urban areas |
UN DESA | United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs
68% of the world population projected to live in urban areas by 2050, says UN |
UN DESA | United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Biden admin authorizes E15 gasoline in an effort to increase US fuel supply,
reduce gas prices (msn.com)
Watch Paul McCartney Duet With Archival Footage of John Lennon on
“I’ve Got a Feeling” (msn.com)
The Dramatic Global Rise of Urbanization (1950-2020) (visualcapitalist.com)
Scientists just issued a chilling warning about climate change (msn.com)
U.S. Urban Population 1960-2022 | MacroTrends