Intrepid, a leading environmentally-focused tour operator, has decided to abandon carbon offsets and emission targets, deeming them unrealistic. Instead, the Australian travel agency will invest $2 million annually in a “Climate Impact Fund” to support immediate sustainability measures, such as transitioning to electric vehicles and renewable energy.
After previously committing to a 2030 target monitored by the Science-Based Target Initiative (SBTI), co-founder Darrell Wade and CEO James Thornton expressed in an open letter that the travel industry is not on track to meet climate goals. They criticized government inaction on renewable energy and sustainable aviation fuels, stating they could no longer maintain targets they couldn’t meet.
Thornton emphasized the importance of transparency in building trust and acknowledged that travel, particularly air travel, is not sustainable in its current form. The company aims to prioritize domestic and short-distance trips while offering more flight-free itineraries.
Environmental activists, including Greenpeace’s chief scientist Doug Parr, have dismissed carbon offsetting schemes, arguing they allow corporations to misrepresent their environmental impact. Thornton noted that meaningful climate action must acknowledge the current unsustainability of travel practices.
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