Climate Action in Tourism

We’re more than aware that for a lot of people, sustainable travel is a contradiction in terms. How can something that generates so much carbon possibly be sustainable long term?

We understand that aviation releases more CO2 per passenger than any other mode of transport and that put simply, travel is an incredibly carbon intensive activity.

But we also know how important it is to be part of a global community, with whole countries and communities relying on international visits for their livelihoods and well-being. We also know how essential rich, engaging overseas experiences can be in guiding personal development, empathy, and perspective. We cannot turn our back on travel but we – along with others in the industry – cannot underestimate the impact our passion has on the places, people, and wildlife we love either.

Here at Outlook, we believe that the travel industry has not only an opportunity, but a responsibility to stand up for our planet in the battle against climate change.

The first step in making our commitments public, was to declare a Climate Emergency with Tourism Declares, a global community of tourism organisations, companies and professionals, all committed to delivering a Climate Action Plan aligned with the need to cut emissions in half by 2030.

We declare our shared commitment to unite all stakeholders in transforming tourism to deliver effective climate action

We support the global commitment to halve emissions by 2030 and reach Net Zero as soon as possible before 2050

We will consistently align our actions with the latest scientific recommendations, so as to ensure our approach remains consistent with a rise of no more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2100

By declaring a climate emergency publicly, we are also declaring a promise not to use tokenistic gestures or environmental bolt-ons to boost our eco-credentials. Instead, we are making it clear that our changes are fundamental to our business - both in how we operate internally, and in the experiences we deliver to our schools.

A further commitment for us was to become a signatory and launch partner of the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism, which was officially launched at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in November 2021. The declaration brings together the latest research and global expertise to galvanise climate action, and in signing, Outlook agrees to align our climate action plans with the five pathways of the declaration:

Measure and disclose all travel and tourism-related emissions

Decarbonise by setting and delivering on targets aligned with climate science

Regenerate, restore and protect ecosystems

Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure plans are as effective and co-ordinated as possible

Finance sufficiently to meet objectives set out in our climate action plan

Now more than ever, we understand how crucial it is for the tourism sector to work together to take action for the climate; and with the impacts of Covid-19 remaining for the industry, fighting climate change must be part of the recovery process. Only in doing so can we ensure tourism becomes a sustainable and more resilient sector. Here at Outlook, we're proud to be part of the change.

Read our full declaration here.