The Climate Action Guidebook
How to lead the way to sustainable tourism and travel
The time for action on climate change is now. The basic foundations for a decarbonisation transition have been laid, but more needs to be done at a sector and individual company level.
This guidebook is for any tourism and travel sector company that wants to understand the best way to start, or continue, the decarbonisation journey to net-zero. It clearly explains:
- The current carbon reporting and reduction targets
- Climate-related risks and how to manage them
- How to measure carbon for your organisation
- Ways to approach a net-zero commitment
Crucially, you’ll discover how the interests of the planet and your business are inextricably linked. Why calculating and managing your carbon emissions, setting targets and managing climate risk will help to inform your strategic and purchasing decisions, satisfy investor and insurer needs, and align the business with consumer preferences.
You’ll also understand why this is so urgent. Acting on climate change is something we’ve all got to do. This guidebook is designed to help travel and tourism leaders act proactively to achieve the most beneficial results for all concerned. For business. For consumers. For the planet.
And as you’ll see below, your progress depends on high-level collaboration, immediate action, and effective governance.
If you care, you’ve got to share
Work together to beat climate change
Collaborating with other businesses and learning from leading examples is a vital step to expediting the industry’s transformation.
Working together on significant areas of decarbonisation will deliver more significant and rapid progress. Particularly where value chains are shared, and systemic change is needed.In practical terms, that means sharing good practice, applying proven models and learning new approaches and tools, while engaging across supply chains and customer bases.
Step up, step forward
Progress requires real action
As other sectors continue to progress their emission reduction, pressure on the travel sector will heighten. There’s simply no time for delay.
Although you should strive for the best carbon reduction possible, do not let perfection stand in the way of progress.‘Cathedral thinking’ is required: a state of mind that accepts the need to lay the foundation while not knowing exactly how to build the ceiling.
Get a management grip
Governance is key to success
Climate change is a complex issue for business leaders to understand, quantify and manage. It’s crucial that they have – or gain – the necessary knowledge and skills to make informed decisions relating to climate change.
The challenge is to ensure that climate risks and opportunities are appropriately handled, alongside other business risks, with effective governance. You’ll also need to navigate evolving scientific understanding, changing policy, and uncertain macroeconomic impacts within a continuously developing business context.
Key contacts
Alistair Pritchard
Lead Partner, Travel & Aviation sector
Emily Cromwell
Partner, ESG Advisory Consumer lead
Bethany Hawkings
Senior Manager, ESG and Sustainability Specialist
