Today, at the 2019 UN Climate Conference, COP25, we made a historic commitment. A commitment in partnership with 500+ fellow B Corps to reach net zero by 2030.
This important declaration will mean accelerating the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions — 20 years ahead of the 2050 targets set in the Paris Agreement.
As a carbon neutral business since 2010, and one committed to becoming the first climate-positive travel company in the world next year, we are so proud to have represented the travel industry at this conference. Our co-founder Darrell Wade attended virtually to represent our commitment to climate action, in a video presented to attendees. In this, he called on world leaders gathered at COP25 in Madrid to work collaboratively towards action on the climate crisis.
We are also proud to stand alongside the global community of B Corp certified businesses who made this commitment (companies that meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose). B Corp businesses include Patagonia, Allbirds and The Body Shop — as well as Intrepid Travel, as of 2018 when we became the world’s largest certified travel B Corp.
READ MORE: WHY WE BECAME A B CORP
The commitment made is just one part of our environmental advocacy, as we work towards being the best travel company for the world. Other climate initiatives of ours include:
- Partnering with the Climate Foundation, a U.S.-based non-profit, and the University of Tasmania, to crowdfund over $600,000 AUD for a new marine permaculture initiative.
- Investing $100,000 AUD in climate change scientific research to support an advancement in the understanding and protection of the Antarctic.
- Transitioning to 100% renewable energy in our offices (by 2025) and on our trips (by 2030).
- Offsetting flights for customers who book their airfare directly with the company (as of 2020).
- Committing to setting 1.5°C science-based emissions reduction targets aligned with a net-zero future, in response to what the latest climate science indicates is needed to limit the worst impacts of climate change. We have responded to a call-to-action, issued by a broad coalition of business, civil society and UN leaders, to make this critical and necessary contribution to keeping global temperature increase within 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
We hope this commitment inspires others within the travel industry and beyond to reduce their carbon footprint and join us in taking action for the climate.
Click here to learn more about our responsible business practices. And click here to learn how to reduce the impact of your travels.
