The Green Alternative
Global Warming, Climate Change and ‘Going Green’
Let me be the first to say that I am a tour operator and not a scientist. I have no idea what is causing global warming or how serious it is. Like most of you I depend on those who do understand the situation to provide me with the information I need.
Whilst even scientists argue about the causes of global warming at least they accept that it is taking place and the rate of warming is increasing. It also seems to be a fact that even if greenhouse gas emissions are stabilised now it will take 1000 years to stop the warming.
What causes it?
The vast majority of scientists, specialising in this subject believe that it is caused by an increase in the production of carbon dioxide and other ‘greenhouse’ gasses. These gasses are produced whenever carbon based fuels are burned such as in the production of electricity or in engines using diesel or petrol. Over 80% of the world’s population now believe this to be true.
What effect will it have?
Global warming seems to be causing climate change. Not just longer hotter summers but serious shifts in the world’s climate and extreme weather conditions. There may be alterations in both the amount and patterns of rainfall causing flooding and drought. The ice caps are retreating causing sea levels to rise. Food production may be affected possibly causing famine and starvation for many.
What can be done?
It is unreasonable to expect us to only travel as far as we can get on a bike! We love travel and are used to the freedom to travel where and when we want, we are unlikely to give this right up without a fight. However there are some things we can do.
In comparison with most other forms of motorised transport coaches are already a ‘green’ way to travel. All our vehicles are very clean and achieve Euro 4 or 5 standards and with only one engine moving 48 people the advantages are obvious. We have also employed the services of specialist firm Carbon Clear to help us calculate and reduce the amount of carbon Harrison Holidays produces, our carbon footprint. By recycling, using a renewable electricity source and various other means we have reduced this as far as practicable. We then offset our carbon footprint.
What is carbon offsetting?
In its simplest terms it is a way of paying someone else to reverse the effects of the carbon gasses we produce. In this was we might pay a farmer to grow and look after trees. If this was all Harrison Holidays offset payments went on we would plant and care for over 2500 trees per year which would cover an area of over 13 square kilometres. Every one of ‘our’ trees is working like a factory, converting tons of carbon dioxide into Oxygen, refreshing the air and reversing the negative effect of travelling on our coaches and people carriers. More than that, the trees will have neutralised our carbon emissions in just 10 years but they will live on, continuing to do their vital work for many more decades. There is much more to offsetting than just that with many exciting projects which not only reduce carbon emissions but improve the lives of many people throughout the world. It has been argued that this is just a way for the rich to use the third world to buy our way out of a problem but the reality seems to be that everyone benefits. We believe that currently carbon offsetting is the most appropriate if not the only realistic way forward.
Acting responsibly
We would have to be completely sure that the vast majority of the scientific world are completely wrong before we, at Harrison Holidays feel comfortable gambling with the world we leave for our descendants. If wrong we are just helping some poor tree farmers and making the air a little cleaner if we are right we are playing our part in helping to protect the planet and doing our best not to make the situation worse. How could we do otherwise?
Zero Carbon coach travel at no extra cost – clearly the only choice!