FAQ

What is climate change?

Climate change is the term commonly used when talking about global warming.

The Earth is like a giant greenhouse, but instead of having glass panes which trap heat, it has gases such as methane and carbon dioxide. As the sun's rays shine on the Earth this blanket of gases traps some of the heat – which has the effect of warming the planet and keeping it at a relatively constant level. Without it the Earth would either get too hot or too cold.

When greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere by human activity like burning fossil fuels and clearing land, it's like constantly adding more glass layers to the greenhouse, ultimately raising the temperature inside. If we don’t reduce greenhouse gas emissions, there is a risk that the Earth will heat to a level which could seriously affect life on our planet.
Why the focus on carbon dioxide?

Greenhouse gases include methane, nitrous oxide and halocarbons but the mostly commonly referred to greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide (CO2) and it has become the standard measure of greenhouse gas emissions. CO2 is released every time we turn on the light at home, switch on our computer, take a flight or drive the car.
What does it mean to be carbon neutral?

Carbon Neutral means that an activity, a person or a business has no net CO2 emissions. By cutting the amount of CO2 we release into the atmosphere and offsetting any CO2 we do release, we can bring Intrepid's carbon emissions down to 0% - becoming a Carbon Neutral company.
What is carbon offsetting?

Carbon offsets are a way for individuals and businesses to balance out their greenhouse gas emissions by allocating funds to emission reduction programs e.g. If, for every 1 kg of CO2 emitted during your flight you save another 1 kg from being emitted through your support of programs such as tree planting or sustainable energy initiatives, you have offset your emissions.
Carbon Neutral diagram
Why is Intrepid carbon offsetting flights?

Aviation is now the fastest growing contributor to greenhouse gases and it's a sad truth that by flying to the destinations we love so much, we're actively contributing to climate change. This year alone our travellers' flights will add around 500,000 tonnes of CO2 to the atmosphere. That's about the same as 116,000 cars would emit in a year. For those choosing to book flights with Intrepid from Australia, you can fly in the knowledge that your flight is offset and you have greatly reduced the impact of your holiday.
Why are flights so bad?

Not only do planes release a lot of greenhouse gases, they also release it in the delicate upper atmosphere where its impact is far greater.
Is the Carbon Offset Payment a tax?

No, it's simply a payment directed to carbon offset programs.
Is the Carbon Offset Payment compulsory?

Yes, all flights sold by Intrepid departing from Australia have a carbon offset payment included in the price. Climate change is a huge issue and to tackle it we all need to get behind the solutions. We understand that by adding a carbon offset payment to our airfares, you may find slightly cheaper flights elsewhere, but we hope you will join us and choose a greener way to fly; after all, the cost is minimal and the benefits are immense! Intrepid will soon be including carbon offset payments on all flights sold from our international sales offices.
How is the Carbon Offset Payment calculated?

The carbon offset payment is calculated according to regional zones e.g. A return flight from Melbourne to Bangkok is a flight to Zone 3 and will have a carbon offset payment of around AU$54 while a return flight from Melbourne to Paris is a flight to Zone 2 and will have a carbon offset payment of around AU$150. There are thirteen regional zones in all, including South America, Oceania and Africa.
Does Intrepid Travel profit from carbon offsetting?

No. Intrepid Travel does not add any margins onto the price of the offset. This is no a profit making exercise for us, it's part of our commitment to the future of the planet.
Why do companies charge different amounts?

Companies charge different amounts to offset depending on how they calculate greenhouse gas emissions. There are two ways that the greenhouse gas emissions can be calculated...

* Emissions based on the amount of fuel that is consumed per kilometer
* Emissions based on the burning of fuel, then multiplied for the increased global warming impact, also known as the Global Warming Potential (GWP)

The GWP takes into account that emissions in the upper atmosphere, where planes fly, trap more heat and consequently contribute more to global warming. We choose to take the added effect of GWP into consideration and offset more than just the fuel burn.
Where does my money go?

With Origin's help, your money will be invested in genuine sustainable energy projects that build a long term solution to climate change. You'll be contributing to energy efficiency projects, energy generation from micro-hydro (low impact) and tree planting to name a few.

Find out more about where your money goes
What guarantee do I have that the money is being sent to Origin and Intrepid is not keeping it?

All the projects to which your funds will be allocated are independently verified to ensure your money is used for abatement projects.. A strong auditing framework is essential so that you can be confident that your money is really making a difference. The auditors are selected on the basis that they must demonstrate a high level of experience and recognition, including being active in audit panels for other abatement schemes.
What guarantee do I have that Origin is spending the money appropriately and not just keeping it?

All the projects to which your funds will be allocated are independently verified. A strong auditing framework is essential so that you can be confident that your money is really making a difference. The auditors are selected on the basis that they must demonstrate a high level of experience and recognition, including being active in audit panels for other abatement schemes.