By Dr. Alex Brylske
One of the main purposes of this column is to highlight how environmental awareness is transforming the scuba industry, especially dive tourism. Part of my mission is to explain how dive professionals can play a crucial role in fostering awareness and responsibility among our customers so they can make informed choices about travel. One way to help reduce our industry’s carbon footprint is by encouraging customers to use an online “carbon calculator” when planning air travel.
Air travel is one of the fastest-growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), aviation contributes approximately two to three percent of global CO2 emissions. While this percentage may seem small, its impact is not. For reasons we explore in a future article, emissions released at high altitudes have a far greater warming effect than emissions from lower levels.
What is a Carbon Calculator and What are the benefits?
A carbon calculator is an online tool that estimates the carbon footprint of various activities, including air travel. It considers factors like flight distance, aircraft type, and passenger class to provide an accurate measurement of CO2 emissions. These calculators can allow users to offset their emissions by contributing to environmental projects such as reforestation or renewable energy initiatives. And there are many other benefits of carbon calculators:
- Raising Awareness
Carbon calculators function as an educational resource, helping travelers grasp the environmental impact of their flight choices. By quantifying emissions concretely, these tools cultivate a deeper awareness of how individual actions contribute to global climate change.
- Encouraging Responsible Travel
Once travelers understand their carbon footprint, they are more likely to adopt sustainable practices even beyond air travel. This may involve selecting direct flights, choosing economy class, or considering alternative transportation modes when possible.
- Supporting Offset Initiatives
Many carbon calculators provide options to offset emissions by investing in environmental initiatives. These efforts not only neutralize the effects of air travel but also support broader sustainability objectives.
- Enhancing Brand Reputation
For tourism professionals, advocating for carbon calculators signifies a commitment to sustainability. This can enhance brand reputation, attract environmentally conscious customers, and differentiate your services in a competitive market.
How You Can Promote Carbon Calculators
There are many ways you can promote carbon calculators in your operation. First, include a link to a carbon calculator directly into your booking platform. This allows customers to evaluate their emissions during the planning phase. This seamless integration ensures that sustainability becomes a natural aspect of the travel decision-making process.
Educate your customers by providing information about carbon calculators and their benefits through newsletters, social media, and face-to-face interactions. Emphasizing the ease of use and the positive environmental impact can motivate more travelers to adopt this practice.
Also, consider collaborating with reputable organizations that offer carbon calculators to ensure accuracy and credibility. By aligning with well-known tools, you build trust and encourage customers to use them.
In my opinion, the carbon calculator that stands out as a top choice for dive travelers is the program offered by The Ocean Foundation. First and foremost, it supports “Blue Carbon” initiatives such as the restoration of mangrove forests and seagrass meadows (a subject of a future column). Such projects are near and dear to the hearts of divers and sequester much more carbon than terrestrial programs. It also employs robust methodologies to deliver accurate and transparent results, guaranteeing that travelers receive reliable information regarding their carbon footprint. Furthermore, the calculator is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers. Its simplicity encourages adoption and repeated use; and Ocean Foundation’s initiatives align with broader sustainability aims, such as the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Dive professionals have a unique opportunity to influence traveler behavior and promote sustainable practices. By advocating for carbon calculators, you can help customers take responsibility for their environmental impact while supporting larger climate action goals. So, as you consider which tools to recommend, prioritize those that align with your values and your customers’ interests. The Ocean Foundation’s carbon calculator not only offers accurate assessments but also channels offset contributions into vital ocean conservation efforts. By incorporating this tool into your services, you demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and inspire your customers to do the same. The tourism industry plays a significant role in addressing climate change. Carbon calculators are a simple yet powerful way to encourage awareness, promote responsible travel, and support impactful environmental initiatives. Make the Ocean Foundation’s carbon calculator a cornerstone of your sustainability strategy and lead the way toward a more sustainable future for tourism.
More information about The Ocean Foundation’s Carbon Calculator can be found at https://oceanfdn.org/calculator/
