The world has reached a critical juncture, with the planet crossing its first climate tipping point: the unprecedented dieback of warm-water coral reefs. This alarming milestone, highlighted in The Global Tipping Points Report 2025, underscores the urgent need for action across all sectors, including water, sanitation, and drainage. The loss of coral reefs, which support over 25% of marine life and sustain the livelihoods of 500 million people, signals a stark warning about the interconnectedness of ecosystems and human well-being.
The report, compiled by 160 scientists from 23 countries, also suggests that the Earth may have crossed a second tipping point—the melting of polar ice sheets—which could lead to irreversible sea-level rise. The implications for coastal communities, infrastructure, and water management systems are profound. Every increment of additional global warming increases the risk of triggering further tipping points, potentially causing incalculable damage to the planet.
However, the report also offers a beacon of hope. It emphasizes the potential of positive tipping points—shifts in policies, technologies, and behaviors that can alter Earth’s trajectory. This is where the travel and tourism sector, a significant consumer of water and contributor to environmental stress, can play a pivotal role. Sustainable travel practices can mitigate harm and even contribute to regenerative efforts.
For instance, travelers can opt for low-density destinations and avoid peak seasons, reducing pressure on local resources and ecosystems. This approach not only alleviates stress on water supplies and infrastructure but also enhances the travel experience by avoiding overcrowded sites. As Jorge Salas-Guevara, founder of New Paths Expedition, notes, “Travelers can make a meaningful difference by selecting less-visited destinations or by choosing shoulder seasons for their travel.”
Choosing eco-certified hotels is another straightforward yet impactful step. Certifications like EarthCheck provide transparency about a property’s sustainability practices, including energy use, water conservation, and waste management. Sonia Singh of Yatri Travel Planner explains, “Travelers can review a property’s EarthCheck profile to understand performance across energy use, water conservation, waste management, biodiversity, and community engagement.”
Supporting local economies is equally crucial. Jennifer Allison of VBT Country Walkers advises, “While traveling, choose locally owned hotels, family-run restaurants, and independent shops whenever possible. These choices help keep tourism dollars in the community and support the people who live there year-round.” This not only fosters economic resilience but also ensures that water and sanitation infrastructure benefits local communities.
Dining choices matter too. Opting for restaurants that source food locally reduces food transport emissions and preserves local traditions. Richard Krieger of Sky Vacations emphasizes, “It’s a wonderful way to be sustainable—and healthy. You help reduce food transport emissions, help preserve local traditions and are bound to have an authentic dining experience.”
Transportation choices also play a significant role. Walking tours, using local transportation, or renting e-bikes can reduce carbon footprints and connect travelers more deeply with their destinations. Krieger suggests, “For those who want to stick with a private car experience, request EVs as a first choice.”
Perhaps the most transformative approach is regenerative travel—actively improving the places visited. Salas-Guevara explains, “Travelers can choose service providers based on their regenerative practices, such as the involvement of local community members as part of their teams, providing education and career opportunities, and directly contributing to the restoration of ecosystems and long-term resilience.”
The water, sanitation, and drainage sector must take note of these developments. The interconnectedness of ecosystems and human activities demands a holistic approach to infrastructure planning and management. Sustainable travel practices can alleviate stress on water resources, reduce pollution, and support the resilience of communities. As the sector evolves, integrating these principles into policy and practice will be essential for building a more sustainable and resilient future.
In the words of Jane Goodall, “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” For the water, sanitation, and drainage sector, the choice is clear: embrace sustainable practices and lead the way toward a regenerative future.