Climate

Our approach to climate change

Travel impacts the planet, there are no two ways about it. All of the reasons we choose to travel – to explore new destinations, meet new people and experience new wildlife and cultures, are under threat from climate change.

The science is clear. According to the IPCC, global carbon emissions need to fall sharply this decade to keep warming within 1.5°C. As an adventure travel company, we’re honest about the fact that travel – particularly flying – has an impact, and we believe we have a responsibility to act, not look away.

That’s why we’ve declared a climate emergency, standing alongside a collective of travel companies to push for meaningful change across our industry. We’re committed to being transparent about our impact, practical about solutions, and ambitious about where we need to get to.

Turning commitment into action

We’ve developed a comprehensive climate action plan that focuses on reducing emissions and supporting credible climate solutions (where emissions can’t yet be avoided).

So, what does this actually mean?

Reducing our operational footprint across our offices and supply chain
Working closely with partners to protect vital ecosystems, including ancient rainforest with Cool Earth
Supporting rewilding and nature restoration projects
Investing in high-quality carbon removal technologies through our partner Klimate

This is a long but worthwhile journey and our plans will likely evolve with science, technology and our business – we’ll keep sharing progress along the way.

If you’ve got any questions or want to share feedback, we’d love to hear from you at sustainability@explore.co.uk.

Climate action plan

Declaring a climate emergency is only the start. Our climate action plan sets out how we measure, reduce and address our environmental impact – guided by science and accountability.

Read our climate action plan

Sunlight streams through tall trees, casting shadows on the forest floor covered in lush greenery, creating a serene and vibrant woodland scene.

Carbon Removal with Klimate

We've chosen to support Carbon Removal in place of offsetting our trips’ footprints. Working with Klimate, we support verifiable carbon removal projects to lower the concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere. Explore makes a contribution to Klimate for every travelling customer, providing vital funds towards their important carbon removal projects.

Find out more about what Carbon Removal is and how it differs to carbon offsetting, and why we've chosen Klimate as our partner.

Find out more about Carbon Removal

Tree planting with Ecologi

We’ve partnered with Ecologi to plant a tree for every customer as they join our Platinum loyalty club (once they’ve done ten trips), as a nature-positive way to say thank you and reward their loyalty.

Ecologi’s goal is to reduce 50% of global CO2 emissions by 2040 and, alongside its partners, to plant a billion trees – which may not be as crazy as it sounds.

Find out more about Ecologi

Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism

The Glasgow Declaration, launched at COP26, brings together travel and tourism businesses with a shared commitment to cut emissions in line with global climate goals and reach net zero as soon as possible. We’re proud to be a signatory and launch partner of the Declaration, committing to a decade of climate action.

As signatories, we align our climate work with five key pathways:

Measure – transparently measure and report travel-related emissions
Decarbonise – reduce emissions in line with science-based targets
Regenerate – protect and restore nature and biodiversity
Collaborate – work with partners, suppliers and customers
Finance – ensure climate action is properly resourced

We believe progress comes from honesty, collaboration and action. That’s why we’re committed to learning, improving and pushing for change across the industry.

A person stands on a grassy mountain edge, gazing over a vast expanse of layered blue mountains under a clear sky, evoking a sense of tranquility and vastness.

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