Diverse strategies for industry’s response to climate change

Friday, December 1, 2023

Earlier this week marked a significant moment in aviation history as the first transatlantic flight powered entirely by Sustainable Aviation Fuel took place. This milestone signals a positive step in the aviation industry’s ongoing efforts to adopt more sustainable practices.

However, the journey from a successful test flight to making sustainable aviation fuel the standard requires substantial effort. Achieving this goal necessitates government support to establish a domestic industry focused on sustainable aviation fuels. Without such support, the UK would be compelled to rely on imports, missing out on the potential job creation and economic benefits associated with a thriving domestic industry.

As we celebrate this achievement, it coincides with the commencement of COP28, the annual gathering of world leaders addressing climate change. While reducing reliance on fossil fuels is a crucial aspect of combating climate change, addressing biodiversity loss is equally vital. The travel industry holds a significant opportunity to contribute positively to these efforts, considering that a robust and biodiverse environment plays a crucial role in managing carbon in the atmosphere.

ABTA has actively participated in the preliminary discussions with the Nature Positive Tourism Partnership, a collaborative effort involving various industry stakeholders shaping actions within the sector. ABTA member case studies have been integrated into this initiative, contributing to a forthcoming UN report and framework on nature and biodiversity. Next month, a comprehensive report and toolkit will be released, providing insights into adopting nature-positive principles in tourism.

It’s essential to note that ABTA offers a range of resources to assist members in comprehending the implications of climate change on their businesses and taking proactive measures. The Climate Action Guidebook, produced in collaboration with Deloitte, is among these valuable resources.

This week, I had the opportunity to finalize the blog post while returning from Jet2’s VIP Conference in Antalya, Türkiye. Engaging with 350 agents during the conference was a pleasure, and it provided valuable insights into how ABTA can further support its members in building successful and sustainable businesses.

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