Wildlife tourism can be a powerful force for conservation: park fees, community lodges and jobs give local people reasons to protect wildlife. But long-haul flights, which make most wildlife trips possible, produce significant greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change is itself a major threat to wildlife. The good news is that you can reduce your footprint considerably.
Where emissions come from
- Flights: usually by far the largest share of a trip’s emissions, especially long-haul return flights.
- Internal flights and transfers: light aircraft and helicopters have high emissions per passenger.
- Accommodation: generators, air conditioning and imported supplies.
- Cruises: expedition ships burn fuel; smaller and newer ships tend to be more efficient.
How to reduce your footprint
Fly less, stay longer
One longer trip is better than several short ones. Spend more time in each destination and explore it thoroughly.
Fly smarter
- Choose direct flights when possible; take-offs and landings use lots of fuel.
- Fly economy: premium seats take up more space and have a larger share of emissions.
- Pack light.
Travel overland where possible
Trains, buses and road transfers generally emit less than short flights. For example, travel by train to Kenya’s Tsavo or by road between neighbouring parks.
Choose low-impact lodges
Look for lodges with solar power, water conservation, waste reduction, local sourcing and certifications from credible sustainable tourism schemes. Community-owned lodges keep more benefits local.
Offset with care
Carbon offsets can help, but quality varies widely. Choose verified projects (for example, certified under recognised standards), preferably ones that also benefit biodiversity and communities, such as forest protection in wildlife areas. Offsetting should come after reducing emissions, not instead of it.
Support conservation directly
Donate to conservation organisations working in the places you visit, and choose operators that fund conservation and community projects.
Keep perspective
Well-managed wildlife tourism funds anti-poaching, protected areas and livelihoods that make conservation possible. Travelling thoughtfully, rather than not at all, can do a great deal of good.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest part of a wildlife trip’s carbon footprint? Usually international flights.
Do carbon offsets work? Some do, some do not. Choose verified, high-quality projects and reduce emissions first.
Is ecotourism good for conservation? Well-managed ecotourism can provide vital funding and incentives for protecting wildlife, but it must be done responsibly.
How can I choose a sustainable lodge? Look for renewable energy, waste and water management, local employment and ownership, and credible certifications.
Related guides
- How to choose a responsible wildlife tour operator
- Rewilding Europe
- Wildlife tourism to avoid
- Animal profiles: Polar bear, Reef-building coral, Emperor penguin
Cover photo: Ace Shogun, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons