Responsible Travel & Climate Change
At Rough Guides we are passionately committed to travel. We feel strongly that travelling helps us all understand the world better and the people we share it with - plus tourism has brought a great deal of benefit to developing economies.
But tourism has also damaged some places irreparably, and climate change is exacerbated by most forms of transport, especially flying. This means now more than ever it's important to travel thoughtfully and responsibly, with respect for the cultures we visit - not only to derive the most benefit from our travels but also to preserve the best bits of the planet for everyone to enjoy.
We feel there are six main areas in which we can all make a difference:
- Consider what you're contributing to the local economy, and how much the services you use do the same, whether it's through employing local workers and guides or sourcing locally grown produce and local services.
- Consider the environment on holiday as well as at home. Water is scarce in many developing destinations, and the biodiversity of local flora and fauna can be adversely affected by tourism. Try to patronize businesses that take account of this.
- Travel with a purpose, not just to tick off experiences. Consider spending longer in a place, and getting to know it and its people.
- Give thought to how often you fly. Try to avoid short hops by air and more harmful night flights.
- Consider alternatives to flying, travelling instead by bus, train, boat and even by bike or on foot where possible.
- Make your trips "climate neutral" via a reputable carbon-offset scheme. All Rough Guide flights are offset, and every year we donate money to a variety of charities devoted to combating the effects of climate change.
The Rough Guide to Climate Change
The Rough Guide to Climate Change gives the complete picture of the single biggest issue facing the planet. Cutting a swathe through scientific research and political debate, this completely updated 3rd edition lays out the facts and assesses the options-global and personal-for dealing with the threat of a warming world. The guide looks at the evolution of our atmosphere over the last 4.5 billion years and what computer simulations of climate change reveal about our past, present and future.
Find out more about The Rough Guide to Climate Change
Make your flight climate neutral
The carbon offset scheme run by ClimateCare works like this:
- First, enter your flight details into our carbon calculator (below), and hit the green button.
- ClimateCare will work out how much money you need to contribute to offset the damage caused by the flight. If you like, you can offset other sources of greenhouse gas while you're there.
- Your money will be spent on sustainable development projects that reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. It could be efficient lighting in Kazakhstan, green energy in India or indigenous forest restoration in Uganda.