Intrepid Travel Doubles Down on Climate Action with New Department and $2 Million Fund

As it always does, Intrepid Travel is leading the way once again when it comes to taking action to address the most critical issues of our time.

Intrepid’s most recent effort on this front is to announce that they have created a new ‘Climate Department’ as part of the company’s doubling down on its enhanced Climate Action Plan. The company has also promoted Dr. Susanne Etti to lead the newly formed department.

So what exactly will Intrepid’s Climate Department be charged with accomplishing?

In a press release today, the tour operator explained that “the new department will drive the company’s accelerated decarbonization roadmap and oversee the allocation of Intrepid’s new $2 million Climate Impact Fund, supporting practical, immediate emissions reductions across the business and its supplier network."

The move comes on the heels of Intrepid’s decision to retire its carbon offset program in favor of direct decarbonization investment, alongside a lifecycle-based carbon intensity reduction target designed to fast-track the company’s transition to a lower-carbon business.

Meanwhile, Etti’s responsibilities as head of the Climate Department will include the rollout and implementation of Intrepid’s decarbonization plan, along with such things as allocation of the new Climate Impact Fund, carbon and risk reporting and driving climate advocacy within the business and broader industry.

Today’s announcement also revealed that Intrepid will be recruiting a decarbonization manager, who will be tasked with supporting the delivery of “measurable, business-wide carbon reductions across the business and its supplier network."

Intrepid’s new Climate Department will also include a Purpose Carbon Analyst and Environmental Analyst, both of whom will support carbon reporting efforts, with a focus on measurement and assurance.

“Being mindful of our planet has always been at the heart of Intrepid’s mission, and establishing a dedicated Climate function underscores our commitment to accelerating our decarbonization roadmap and embedding climate action across every part of our business,” said Intrepid’s Chief People and Purpose Officer Meegan Marshall.

Intrepid has long been a trailblazer in the travel industry with regard to climate, animal welfare, and social justice issues.

Back in 2018, Intrepid became a Cerrtified B Corp in 2018 and was then only one of 19 travel companies to achieve the designation, which prioritizes the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.

Even earlier, in 2014, Intrepid ceased offering elephant riding experiences on its trips in light of evidence that revealed the cruelty and terrible conditions elephants were subjected to.

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