LHA London Ltd
Climate change is happening, and its effects are becoming
increasingly evident in the UK. The most recent decade, from
2008 to 2017, has been one of the warmest on record.
Temperatures during this decade have been consistently
higher than the average of the pre-industrial period.
The temperature is not rising at the same rate everywhere; it
is increasing faster over land than water, especially in the
Arctic.
The increasing temperatures make it necessary for people
and communities to prepare for the risks associated with
climate change. These include rising sea levels, more frequent
extreme weather events, and increased pressure on natural
resources.
To mitigate these risks, communities must take steps to
reduce their carbon footprint and adapt to a changing climate.
These steps include cutting emissions through renewable
energy sources, reducing waste, preserving biodiversity and
ecosystems, and developing resilient infrastructure.
The Effects of Climate Change
The UK's third largest employer is the hospitality sector, with over
220,000 businesses. It is responsible for up to 15 per cent of the
UK's greenhouse gas emissions and creates 920,000 tonnes of
food waste annually.
The hospitality industry faces increasing regulatory pressures,
such as the new Plastic Packaging Tax, and customers also
demand change. Annual energy costs for hospitality businesses
amount to more than £1.3bn, resulting in over 8 million tonnes of
carbon emissions.
Sustainability Issues in the Hospitality Sector
The road map to net zero in the hospitality industry focuses on
how businesses can reduce their carbon footprint. It outlines
the current climate trends and identifies sector-specific
emissions hotspots to identify where organisations can
improve. By utilising decarbonisation opportunities, hospitality
establishments can develop practical steps to reach net zero
goals.
The report also emphasises how innovation has the potential
to benefit the industry as a whole. To achieve this, hospitality
businesses are encouraged