What is Climate Action?

From rising sea levels to extreme weather events, the climate change crisis is unfolding rapidly, made worse by rising greenhouse gas emissions. Climate action addresses this problem by understanding and quantifying the sources of emissions and minimising their impact. 

Ambitious collective efforts backed by policy, incentives, and investments are crucial in tackling the climate change crisis, as is individual action. Investing in low-carbon and energy-efficient solutions and encouraging sustainable travel choices are some of the ways you can act now to ensure a climate-resilient future.

Why is Climate Action important for you?

Research shows that hotels should aim to reduce carbon emissions per room by 66% by 2030 and a whopping 90% by 2050 to prevent industry growth from causing a surge in emissions. 

To make this reduction, businesses must first understand their carbon footprint - their personal greenhouse gas emissions. You can read more about identifying and reducing your carbon footprint here. 

Reducing emissions is no longer a ‘nice to have’—it’s vital to any healthy business. Today’s travellers are becoming increasingly aware of tourism's socio-ecological impact. They want to travel more responsibly and opt for lodgings prioritising Climate Action, such as recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction. Action on climate change has also become more critical from a compliance and regulatory perspective.

What did the IPCC Report 2023 teach us?

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) assessment report left no room for doubt that we are way off the mark in reducing emissions. Even if all countries made good on their pledges, they would only cut emissions by 7% between 2019 and 2030—nowhere close to the 43% drop needed to prevent temperatures from increasing by 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2040.  

Every fraction of an increase in degree will boost the risk of natural disasters, reduce water security, and extinction of local species - hitting the already vulnerable people and ecosystems the hardest. 

But it’s not all bad news. The report offers some hope - but we need to act quickly to harness it. 

According to the report, reducing emissions alone might not be enough anymore. Limiting the rise of temperature would also require removing atmospheric CO2 through reforestation and seaweed cultivation. Other forms of climate action include expanding the use of renewable energy, restoring and creating new woodlands, improving water management, and reducing food waste.  

Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve Panguipulli, Chile

Climate action that hotels need to know

As a part of the hospitality sector, you have two options: clinging to conventional ways of operating or responding to traveller trends and embracing sustainability. The choice isn’t hard if you think how vulnerable this industry is to the effects of climate change.  

Soaring temperatures and a rise in natural disasters have changed the face of several tourist destinations, making travellers rethink their plans or end their vacations early.  

Every action on climate change should start with understanding and measuring one's current impact. This makes it easy to set clear goals and support them with targets, strategies, and steps. Remember to measure and monitor your progress and make changes wherever necessary.

Looking for some inspiration? Here’s what some of our members are up to in their action on climate change:  

Indonesia’s Nikoi Island created a 138,500-hectare Marine Protected Area with Conservation International to protect the surrounding coral reef and local sea life, such as turtles, stingrays, and seahorses. Tahi in New Zealand has worked to restore 96 acres of wetlands and 11.1 acres of lakes and, in doing so, has increased the number of native bird species from 20 to 71. Namibia is known for its vast arid landscapes, but Wolwedans has planted over 200 trees in its Namibrand Nature Reserve surroundings. 

Set Climate Action goals unique to your hotel and resort

Climate change's environmental, social, and economic impact has affected every corner of the world. Tourism properties that are satisfied with outdated and unsustainable operations are drawing criticism from environmental watchdogs or losing business. If your hotel is ready to take the leap, here are three focus areas you can immediately start working on.

Conserving energy

If there’s an area where you can make the most impact in reducing carbon emissions and saving money, it’s this one. Start by analysing your bills to identify the most significant energy guzzlers. Observe how staff and guests use appliances and equipment. Don’t forget to compare the impact and cost of your current energy sources by converting them to cost/kWh.   

Solar energy has become one of the most affordable clean energy sources due to the reduced cost of installing solar panels and improved efficiency. Factor this into your climate action plan, take steps that can bring you tangible results at the lowest possible cost, and slowly work your way up.  

Managing and reducing waste

Hotels produce a lot of waste, so there’s plenty you can do to lower your carbon footprint quickly. Get a clear understanding of waste collection. How much of it goes to landfills or recycling centres? Observe how waste is produced and handled by staff and guests and implement impactful changes. Review the use of packaging and reduce it wherever possible. Redesign the food menu with local, organic ingredients and implement an in-house composting system.

Protecting and restoring biodiversity

Your local flora and fauna are one of the biggest draws for your guests. Any effort to protect and conserve natural ecosystems and biodiversity reduces your hotel’s ecological footprint and makes you stand out as an earth-caring business. Today’s travellers value that. 

Planting native trees and flowering species, setting up bird feeders, procuring local farm fresh produce, and supporting local community-led climate action are some ways you can help maintain a healthy ecological balance in your surroundings.

Let The Long Run Help

Climate action can feel incredibly daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. The Long Run is here to help businesses take a journey toward sustainability and improve their green credentials. The 4C framework focuses on conservation, community, culture, and commerce and helps members adopt a comprehensive sustainability strategy that promotes long-term well-being for both people and the planet. If your business is ready to take a step towards a greener future, The Long Run is here to work alongside you.

Samara Karoo Reserve Great Karoo, South Africa