Aurora Expeditions has further heightened its long-term sustainability strategy by becoming certified 100% Carbon Neutral in partnership with South Pole, a leading emission reductions project developer and global climate action expert.
“For more than 30 years, Aurora Expeditions has been deeply committed to responsible and respectful travel. As one of the world’s leading polar expedition operators, we are always seeking ways to innovate, educate and create a positive impact for our planet, and we will continue our active sustained efforts to help preserve the beauty and majesty that Mother Nature possesses,” said Monique Ponfoort, CEO Aurora Expeditions.
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The South Pole Climate Neutral Company certification has been achieved by a combination of key sustainability initiatives across the company’s business operations.
In a three-step plan in partnership with South Pole, Aurora Expeditions calculates all GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions across its business operations annually. Aurora then compensates for these emissions by purchasing carbon credits from climate action projects that meet the highest international standards, and sets must-reach goals, targets and timelines to ensure its emission reduction and sustainability programs are best-in-class.
Aurora Expeditions is supporting two climate action projects:
- InfraVest Tongyuan Wind Farm, a renewable energy project in northwest Taiwan harnessing wind power for a sustainable and secure energy future; and Australian biodiversity conservation project,
- Mount Sandy Conservation in South Australia, which promotes conservation partnerships between the traditional Ngarrindjeri landowners and non-Indigenous Australians through vital conservation work.
Ponfoort said Carbon Neutrality is just one of the actions Aurora Expeditions is taking as part of its commitment to help protect and preserve the planet.
“We plan to accelerate meaningful changes in our active care programs that will make a lasting difference for our people, our expeditions and importantly the future of our planet,” she said.
Other objectives include;
- Continuing to build both guest and staff legacy for the benefit of the planet
- Deepening Aurora’s connection and understanding of the profound and unique places explored
- Enriching the guest experience through onboard lectures and participative Citizen Science programs
- Creating a new sustainable food program
- Championing women in conservation. On the adventure company’s newest ship, Sylvia Earle, the decks are all named and themed after seven global ocean conservationists from Plastics Pollution Campaigner Jo Ruxton and Coral Conservation Champion Dr. Carden Wallace to young conservationists Hanli Prinsloo dedicated to conserving and protecting the world’s oceans through human experience and Dr. Asha de Vos marine biologist, ocean educator and pioneer of blue whale research. Each deck features a curated gallery experience honouring these women and importantly, shining a light on their crucial global environmental causes.
Lead image: Aurora Expeditions’ team member at Pleneau and Port Charcot, Antarctica © Matt Horspool