Travel, Tourism and the Battle Against Global Climate Change
Global climate change, caused by human induced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions - such as carbon dioxide (CO2) - is recognized as one of the most serious global threats we face. Although travel is inevitable, the impacts from travel activities are one of the main culprits of climate change. Currently, transportation related activity accounts for up to one third of all GHG emissions, with air travel being the fastest growing contributor. The average US domestic flight, for example, emits nearly a ton of CO2 per passenger, which, in many cases is more than that person will drive in a year and more emissions than somebody in a developing country will emit in her entire life.
These impacts, in turn are beginning to have a profound impact on the travel and tourism industry, and the planet at large. Both our inbound and outbound tourism industry faces serious repercussions, as there is a strong relationship between global warming, travel, and coastal tourism, particularly in the Caribbean. Last year, for example, was the hottest year on record. Water temperatures and water levels are rising, contributing to coral bleaching and resulting in an ever-increasing frequency and intensity of hurricanes, storm surges and coastal inundation. In addition, dust storms from the Sahara Desert, which are directly related to global climate change, are the root cause of Caribbean sea fan disease and asthma among many young people in the region. All of these issues have having a profound impact on the Caribbean tourism industry. And many of our most exotic destinations exist in our most sensitive and coincidentally biologically rich places. Balancing society's growing demand for transport and the need to mitigate the impacts associated with travel-related emissions poses a fundamental challenge.
As a result, voluntary initiatives create excellent opportunities to pursue alternative GHG / carbon offset strategies to battle global warming and help tourism companies.
MyClimate and GHG “Offsets”
MyClimate™ promotes climate-friendly products and services through international partnerships by fostering the broad involvement of the tourism industry, the public sector, travelers, and other organizations through market-driven means. One ton of carbon dioxide (CO2) has the same impact on climate change wherever in the world it is emitted – or saved. You can use less energy, travel less, or use public transport, but some emissions are unavoidable. MyClimate offers a user friendly solution for individuals and organizations to neutralize the impacts of their greenhouse gas emissions by “offsetting” them through investing in climate-friendly projects that reduce emissions elsewhere.
How does Offsetting work?
MyClimate™ works with individual organizations to determine the emissions that result from their travel activity, hotel emissions and or package tours, for example. You can link to the www.my-climate.com calculator or MyClimate helps organizations customize their own greenhouse gas calculators. The offsets purchased through these calculators are permanently 'retired' i.e., taken out of the market. The proceeds from the purchase of offsets are invested in renewable energy and energy efficiency project construction and operations in developing countries. And they double as sustainable development tools, benefiting local communities while offsetting emissions and neutralizing negative environmental and climate impacts elsewhere. Businesses that partner with MyClimate™ also show evidence of increased revenue.
Project Selection and Verification
Distributed in the Americas by the US-based non-profit Sustainable Travel International (STI), MyClimate™ supports projects that qualify under the highest international criteria of the Clean Development Mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol and the WWF Gold Standard. Furthermore, projects have to satisfy STI’s own criteria related to economic, ecological, and social impacts, as well as the proficiency of project partners. This approach ensures long-term comprehensive solutions.
Factors to Consider in choosing a GHG Offset Program
In choosing the appropriate offset initiative, there are numerous factors to consider, including philanthropic and humanitarian benefits, cost efficiency, credibility / legitimacy, ease of use, and business, PR and marketing support. As a 501 (c) (3) non-profit dedicated to supporting a healthy planet through sustainable business tools, STI has extensively researched the carbon offset market and have concluded that MyClimate offers the best in its class, particularly with regard to supporting projects in developing countries.
Business Opportunity
Trends in the overall sustainability market (natural food and products, health and sustainability, etc.) parallel those in the responsible travel market, based on a variety of studies and research. In addition, MyClimate™ market growth and STI’s own research and experience show strong support for voluntary offsets from both consumers and businesses. All signs point to the fact that GHG offsetting will become an important tool for businesses, and - as with any new innovation - particularly for those on the cutting edge. MyClimate offers the opportunity for businesses to:
• Seize opportunities for corporate leadership
• Address consumer’s growing concerns about environmental issues and their demand for greater transparency in the marketplace
• Demonstrate your commitment to corporate social and environmental responsibility
• Take advantage of related cause related marketing and PR opportunities
• Increase employee loyalty and morale
• Distinguish your business and enhance its reputation in a time of fading customer loyalty
• Gain market share and improve awareness of your brand in a highly competitive global marketplace
• Take advantage of cooperative, volume based offset purchases
MyClimate and GHG offsetting is growing by leaps and bounds, with partners across sector boundaries, from tour operators to major banks, and from conference planners to resort developers. STI’s goal is to integrate offsetting throughout the Americas using its extensive and growing network in the travel and tourism industry. In doing so, they utilize significant industry experience to aggressively support partner providers, and are accepting like-minded, progressive leaders to help the industry make the move toward truly sustainable travel and tourism.
For more information, please visit www.my-climate.com, e-mail peterk@sustainabletravel.com or call +303-448-0967.