Cheesemans’ Climate Approach

Cheesemans’ And Climate Change

At Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris, we measure the estimated emissions from vehicle transportation on each trip and work to reduce them where possible. Since 2022, we have partnered with Sustainable Travel International (STI) to fund climate projects that support emissions reductions and removals beyond our own operations.

Our Climate Approach

Our approach involves a comprehensive strategy:

• Climate Project Support: For each journey, we calculate the estimated carbon emissions produced and fund climate projects certified by various standards, including the Climate, Community & biodiversisty (CCB) standards, such as for the Rimba Raya (Indonesia) project. Projects chosen are those focused on forest protection, renewable energy, and community-based initiatives in various locations including the Dominican Republic and Borneo. These projects support climate action beyond what our own operations can achieve alone; project details are available at STI.
• Specific Sustainable Practices: Many of the lodges we work with have moved away from single-use plastics, for example by refillable water stations and bulk toiletry dispensers and strive to select accommodations that use solar power and practice grey water recycling. We also work with our local operators to help support various local conservation partners, for example the Peccary Project in Brazil.

By choosing Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris, you support a business working to reduce its own emissions while funding climate projects elsewhere. Whether it’s witnessing the majestic wildlife of the African savannas or exploring the pristine landscapes of Antarctica, your adventure supports these efforts.

We also encourage our travelers to consider supporting climate projects for their personal travel to and from our trip destinations. For guidance on reducing your travel carbon footprint, resources like Worldpackers offer valuable insights.

Our work reflects our broader mission to promote conservation and responsible tourism. We believe that travel should be a force for good, fostering a deeper connection with nature while safeguarding it for future generations. Together, we can make a difference, one journey at a time.

Understanding Climate Terms

Everything you do that produces carbon dioxide (a portion of total greenhouse gases) — from driving to powering your home and more — contributes to global climate change.

Terms like “carbon neutral” are used throughout the tourism industry, but the terminology can be confusing, so here are the definitions we work from:

Carbon Neutral / Net-Zero Carbon Emissions

Means the amount of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere is the same as the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere.

Carbon Negative / Climate Positive / Carbon Positive

Means the amount of carbon dioxide removed from the atmosphere is larger than the amount emitted.

Climate Neutral

The amount of all greenhouse gases removed from the atmosphere is the same as the amount emitted.

Why Climate Action Matters to Cheesemans’

Cheesemans’ is more than simply a “travel company.” Our foundation was built on striving to reduce our environmental impact in all we do, so we can continue to enjoy nature in its wildest form. While we eagerly plan to take you on your next adventure, we are invested in the awe and wonders of the natural world. We measure and work to reduce the carbon emitted by vehicles (cars, boats/ships, and planes) throughout the duration of every trip. As our understanding of climate impact grows, we review our approach periodically and update our practices as we learn more.

Reducing our impact will remain a driving force, and we hope to protect those wild places for generations to come! We’ve taken our commitment to sustainable tourism to the next level by becoming a member of Sustainable Travel International. As a member, we join a global movement of conscientious travelers and businesses passionate about making a difference and giving back to the places we depend on.

Sustainable Travel International is a mission-driven organization dedicated to protecting and conserving our planet’s most vulnerable destinations. They are working to transform tourism’s impact on nature and people by working alongside local communities, engaging travelers and businesses in responsible practices, and strengthening destination management. Cheesemans’ is also working with Sustainable Travel International to fund climate project support for each of our trips.

In following their lead, we are taking a two-pronged approach:

CLIMATE PROJECT SUPPORT

Supporting climate projects certified through STI, funding work that reduces, avoids, or removes emissions depending on project type.

CARBON CALCULATOR

Asking all our travelers to consider supporting climate projects for travel to and from our trips with our handy carbon calculator, or via their favorite climate project organization.

It’s vital that we keep working toward a lower-impact world while supporting you, as an educated traveler, in upholding this same mission.

Thank you for joining us in this important fight!