Here’s a bold statement: One of the travel industry’s most eco-conscious players is ditching carbon offsets and emissions targets entirely—and it’s sparking a much-needed conversation. But here’s where it gets controversial: Intrepid, the globally renowned tour operator, has decided that these strategies are simply unattainable and is instead funneling A$2 million annually into a transparent “climate impact fund.” This fund will focus on tangible actions like transitioning to electric vehicles and investing in renewable energy. So, why the dramatic shift? Let’s dive in.
Intrepid, known for its small-group, low-impact tours, has openly admitted that the biggest environmental culprit is the flights its customers take to reach their destinations. In a candid move, co-founder Darrell Wade and CEO James Thornton penned an open letter to staff, stating, “The travel industry, including us, is nowhere near achieving a 1.5C future. We need bolder, faster action—and that starts with honesty.” This isn’t the first time Intrepid has called out the industry’s shortcomings. Two years ago, Wade openly criticized carbon offsets as “not credible,” a stance that’s now led to the company stepping away from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which it joined five years ago.
And this is the part most people miss: The letter also points fingers at governments for failing to implement ambitious policies on renewable energy and sustainable aviation fuels. “We can’t keep chasing a target we know we’ll miss,” they wrote. Instead, Intrepid is doubling down on transparency, hoping to build trust by admitting what hasn’t worked rather than clinging to unfulfilled promises. CEO James Thornton told The Guardian, “We’ve always been upfront, and that’s how we earn trust. Now, we’re owning up to the fact that our previous approach wasn’t cutting it.”
So, what’s the new plan? Intrepid is focusing on reducing the “carbon intensity” of each trip, a strategy developed by climate scientists and verified by independent auditors. This includes prioritizing domestic and short-haul travel, offering more flight-free itineraries, and promoting walking or trekking tours. For example, instead of flying customers across continents, they’re encouraging exploration closer to home—a shift that could significantly shrink their carbon footprint.
Here’s the controversial bit: Environmentalists like Doug Parr, Greenpeace UK’s chief scientist, have long argued that carbon offsets are little more than greenwashing. “Offsets let big polluters claim they’re eco-friendly while still spewing emissions,” Parr said. Greenpeace advocates for a frequent flyer levy, where the first flight each year is tax-free but subsequent flights face steep taxes to discourage excessive air travel. This raises a provocative question: Is the travel industry truly committed to sustainability, or are we just paying to ease our guilt?
Thornton acknowledges the challenge: “Travel in its current form isn’t sustainable. Anything suggesting otherwise is greenwashing.” He emphasizes that meaningful change requires honesty—not just from companies, but from travelers too. So, here’s the question for you: Is Intrepid’s new approach a step in the right direction, or are they simply shifting the goalposts? Let’s debate this in the comments—because the future of sustainable travel depends on it.
