Rowing The World Climate Action Plan

In December 2021 Rowing The World declared a climate emergency and signed the Glasgow Declaration. One obligation is to develop a plan within one year of signing. This Climate Action Plan follows the format recommended by the Glasgow Declaration, with some modification. The blue text is the wording from UNWTO[1].

MEASURE

Measure and disclose all travel and tourism-related emissions. Ensure our methodologies and tools are aligned to UNFCCC-relevant guidelines on measurement, reporting and verification, and that they are transparent and accessible.

Progress to date

Measured 2022 tour carbon footprint. Calculation shows an average of 27 kg/guest/night. We believe that this is an underestimation.

• Chose 2022 because more representative than pandemic years and 2019 data too challenging to access.
• Tour calculation using South Pole calculator – recommended by Adventure Travel Trade Association.
• Some elements had to be done simply because it was just too challenging to find the details. Some aspects were ignored, since there were no calculators to use or data for similar activities.
• Some results seems suspect. The measurement is only as good as the source data.

Action commitment

• Consistently record trip carbon footprints after each trip in 2023, not waiting until the end of the year.
• Review methodology. Is South Pole still the best to use? Changing methodology or source data will make year to year comparison challenging.
• Add more details and greater precision each year, beginning 2023.
• Measure and record RTW staff travel and office carbon footprint as well as some other tour aspects not presently included, such as food.

DECARBONISE

Set and deliver targets aligned with climate science to accelerate tourism’s decarbonisation. This includes transport, infrastructure, accommodation, activities, food & drink, and waste management. While offsetting may have a subsidiary role, it must be complementary to real reductions.

Reduce

We will work to cut tourism emissions in half over the next decade and reach Net Zero emissions as soon as possible before 2050. This means achieving average of 15 kg/guest/night by 2032.

Progress to date

• Although cannot compare to a baseline, have implemented changes in RTW staff travel and trip planning, including selecting train travel over flights within Europe to the extent possible. These trips are much more costly and longer and may add an overnight stay, which should be considered in the carbon footprint.

Action commitment

• Increase use of regional Tour Leaders to reduce travel by RTW team to trip destinations.
  • Aim to have 20% of 2023 trips with regional Tour Leaders.
  • 50% in 2024.
  • 75% in 2025 and subsequent years.
• Add at least one new trip in 2023 which is designed to minimize use of vehicles.
• Continue to find ways to reduce the amount of flying by RTW team and Tour Leaders and to maximize duration of stays.
• Accommodation is the significantly largest aspect of our carbon footprint. We will spend some time to better understand how the carbon footprint of accommodation is calculated and whether we can reduce that footprint, perhaps in selection of accommodation.

Remove

Progress to date

• Carbon offsets for flights have sporadically been purchased for RTW team travel in 2022.

Action commitment

• Purchase carbon offset for every flight by RTW team including Tour Leaders in 2023.
• Determine what buying 10% of 2022 carbon would cost and add to budget. Hopefully be able to afford to pay it.
• Investigate carbon offsetting or some other means to directly reduce our footprint. In particular consider whether offsets or other action can be done in our destinations and involving the rowing community.

REGENERATE

Restore and protect ecosystems, supporting nature’s ability to draw down carbon, as well as safeguarding biodiversity, food security, and water supply. As much of tourism is based in regions most immediately vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, ensure the sector can support affected and at-risk communities in resilience building, adaptation and disaster response. Help visitors and host communities experience better balance with nature.

Progress to date

• Nothing done directly.

Action commitment

• Review examples elsewhere and decide what is possible and would make a difference.

COLLABORATE

Share evidence of risks and solutions with all stakeholders and our guests, and work together to ensure our plans are as effective and coordinated as possible. Strengthen governance and capacity for action at all levels, including national and sub-national authorities, civil society, large companies and SMEs, vulnerable groups, local communities and visitors.

Progress to date

We have communicated our commitment and progress in 2022 to our guests via two blog posts which were also shared via our newsletter:

We have had some communications with our partners, although limited.

Action commitment

• Continue to use blog posts and newsletters to communicate with our guests and partners.
• Continue to stay informed about what others in adventure travel are doing and engage in discussions. 

FINANCE

Ensure organisational resources and capacity are sufficient to meet objectives set out in climate plans, including the financing of training, research and implementation of effective fiscal and policy tools where appropriate to accelerate transition.

That would be nice.

[1] https://www.oneplanetnetwork.org/programmes/sustainable-tourism/glasgow-declaration