Let’s take climate action.

We answer your questions

• Is my carbon footprint that big?

  It’s very likely your carbon footprint exceeds the targets required to solve the climate crisis. Even if your food is plant-based, local and in season, there’s a mind-boggling carbon cost for almost anything you spend your money on.

  With Ecologi we’ll help you become carbon aware of everyday things and start your journey to low carbon living.

• Why should we reforest the planet?

  Reforestation isn’t the only solution for reducing greenhouse gases that we have, but it is a natural and valuable one. Trees planted today can draw down massive amounts of carbon in the long-term, and there are a whole range of other benefits from reforesting areas with native flora.

  It’s good for the environment. Planting trees helps restore animal habitats, from the insects on leaves to the monkeys swinging from the branches. With increased biodiversity, ecosystems become more resilient. Trees also contribute to the natural water cycle and the presence of hardy root systems helps prevent landslides and flooding, slows soil erosion and improves soil quality.

  It’s good for humans too. With better soil, communities can increase their agricultural yield to support their health and livelihoods. Seed collection and tree planting provide fair and decent employment for local people, especially women who may have limited employment opportunities in the area. It also creates jobs for rangers who protect from illegal activities and ensure long-term sustainability for the forest, both during the planting stage and for years afterwards. Reforestation has many other benefits for people, from recreation to strengthening Traditional Owners’ connection to the land.

• Where is the Kijabe Forest?

  With the help of Eden Reforestation Projects, we’re planting our very own Intrepid forest in Kenya. Just a short drive northwest from Nairobi is the Kijabe Forest, which covers 5,500 hectares in the country’s central highlands. Our trees will be planted in a dedicated section of the forest so that we can watch our impact grow.   

• How do you ensure the trees are protected?

  There’s a huge difference between a reforestation project that is well-managed, and one that isn’t. It’s imperative that your funds go to a project that meets the exceptionally high criteria needed for mass tree planting as a tool for combating climate change.

  For answers to lots of common questions such as “how do you protect the trees?” you can read our article on the subject here.

• What else is Intrepid doing about climate change?

  Climate action isn’t just about what governments do. We all must take the lead, even while we battle the vast challenges of COVID-19. As a leader in the travel industry, we have a big responsibility for carbon emissions. We’ve been carbon neutral since 2010. As part of our journey to become climate positive, we continue to look at the footprint of our trips: removing unnecessary flights, taking public transit where possible, and opting for less convenient – but lower impact – transport options. We’ve deepened our commitment by setting emissions targets that align with the global goal of 1.5ºC. Learn more about Intrepid’s climate action and commitments.

• Aside from signing up to Ecologi, what else can I do for the climate?

  Offsetting your emissions and planting trees aren’t the only answers to the climate crisis – but they’re part of the solution. For our unavoidable emissions, we can offset them while we transition to new technologies. While real solutions will require action on a global scale, there are choices you can make in your day-to-day life to lessen your personal impact on the environment: air drying your laundry; switching to renewable energy; and composting your food waste. If we work together, we can create change on a much larger scale. Carbon offsetting isn’t a replacement for action, but it’s a powerful way to vote with your wallet. Don’t forget to set goals to reduce your footprint in your own Ecologi profile.

• What about the travel industry’s role?

  We believe in the power of travel to open minds and inspire people, but there’s no denying the other effects: before COVID-19, the industry accounted for about eight per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. We’ve been carbon offsetting our trips since 2010 and in 2020, we became the first global tour operator with emissions targets verified by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). These are ambitious 2035 emissions reduction targets, which science tells us are needed if we are to ensure a 1.5ºC future. Just two examples of how we plan to meet our targets include moving to 100 per cent renewable energy across all of our global offices by 2025, and replacing flights in itineraries with lower carbon alternatives, where possible.

  As an individual, there are travel choices you can make to help reduce your footprint too. You can travel with a responsible tour company or explore somewhere closer to home. You can see a destination by walking, by bike or take a long hike. You can stay in local communities or sustainable accommodation. If you’re flying, non-stop is better than multiple legs, but always consider other options like trains and buses where possible.