Lindblad Expeditions Goes Carbon Neutral
By Anne Kalosh.
Great news for QuirkyCruisers who care about the impact of their travel on the planet: Lindblad Expeditions is becoming a carbon neutral company beginning this year, in 2019.
This enforces the small-ship operator’s longstanding commitment to the environment. It also supports the efforts of its partner, National Geographic, to identify greenhouse gas emissions associated with its travel programs and decrease their impact by offsetting those that cannot be eliminated.
100 Percent Offset
Lindblad said its investments will offset 100 percent of emissions from its ships. This means eight ships in the Lindblad-National Geographic fleet and five leased, along with all land-based operations, employee travel, offices in New York and Seattle and additional small but measurable emission contributors.
Travelers with Lindblad Expeditions can feel good knowing the carbon impact of their journey is offset. * Photo: ©Flip Nicklin Lindblad Expeditions
“Greatest Threat Humanity has Ever Faced”
“As a company, recognizing that global climate change is arguably the greatest threat humanity has ever faced, we all need to urgently step up our efforts whether big or small,” said Sven Lindblad, CEO and founder, Lindblad Expeditions. “Our goal is to reduce and offset our carbon footprint, and to commit to carbon neutrality throughout the many layers of our business.”
Lindblad added that “climate change and its resulting impacts on global biodiversity and human health and livelihoods has provided a clarion call and awakening. The message is clear: we must rebalance and rebalance urgently.”
Travel contributes to the human footprint that affects the earth’s climate. National Geographic Partners has been working to reduce this impact over the past decade, investing more than $1.5 million in verifiable carbon offset projects, according to Nancy Schumacher, executive vice president, travel and tour operations.
Climate change impacts global biodiversity. * Photo:©Ralph Lee Hopkins Lindblad Expeditions
Verified Emission-Reduction Projects
Working with South Pole, a leading developer of emission-reduction projects, Lindblad now has a portfolio of six investments that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. These investments focus on renewable energy (solar and wind), reforestation and community-based projects in six countries, including Mexico, Peru and Vietnam, places that Lindblad-National Geographic travelers visit.
South Pole requires independent, third party verification and regular monitoring of the projects in its portfolio to ensure they deliver the stated impacts and adhere to the highest internationally recognized standards. Further, South Pole ensures emission reductions are accurately measured and verified to enable transparent public reporting.
Carbon neutrality joins a host of other sustainability programs at Lindblad.
The company banished guest-facing single-use plastics fleet-wide in 2018 and has served sustainable seafood on board for many years. Other initiatives include building more efficient ships that require less energy to operate and, therefore, reduce emissions. Lindblad also mandates supply chain solutions to eliminate plastic, serves local, organic produce and makes crew uniforms from recycled plastic.
$17 Million in Traveler Donations
Since 1997, Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic have raised more than $17 million from travelers to the regions they explore together. These voluntary donations currently go toward conservation, education, research, storytelling and technology projects that support the health and viability of oceans, coastlines and coastal communities.
Lindblad travelers can donate to a fund that supports the health and viability of oceans coastlines and coastal communities.* Photo ©Mike Greenfelder for Lindblad Expeditions
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HEIDI SARNA
