Science-based targets provide a clearly defined pathway for businesses to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In turn, this helps prevent the impacts of climate change and prepare business growth for the future. Targets are considered “science-based” if they align with what the latest climate science deems necessary to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement: limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and continuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C.
For all of the above, Iberostar has joined the commitment, and by 2021, we are already a company officially committed to setting science-based emissions reduction targets across the board. All doing so in line with the 1.5°C emissions scenarios and the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) criteria and recommendations.
We are also formally committed to:
- set a long-term science-based target to achieve zero net GHG emissions in the value chain by 2050, though our goal has been to become carbon neutral by 2030
- establish science-based interim targets in all relevant areas and in line with SBTi criteria and recommendations
Iberostar becomes signatory of Glasgow Declaration
The Glasgow Declaration is a catalyst for increased urgency about the need to accelerate climate action in tourism and secure strong actions and commitment to support the global goals to halve emissions over the next decade and reach Net Zero emissions as soon as possible before 2050. This declaration, launched at COP26, is a call to action for other tourism players to ensure that tourism, which makes up 8% of global emissions, contributes a role to net-zero emissions.
Iberostar is proud to be one of the first signatories of the Glasgow Declaration. As part of it, we commit to:
- Measure: Measure and disclose all travel and tourism-related emissions. Ensure our methodologies and tools are aligned to UNFCCC-relevant guidelines on measurement, reporting and verification, and that they are transparent and accessible.
- Decarbonize: Set and deliver targets aligned with climate science to accelerate tourism’s decarbonization. This includes transport, infrastructure, accommodation, activities, food & drink, and waste management. While offsetting may have a subsidiary role, it must complement real reductions.
- Regenerate: Restore and protect ecosystems, supporting nature’s ability to draw down carbon, as well as safeguarding biodiversity, food security, and water supply. As much of tourism is based in regions most immediately vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, ensure the sector can support affected and at-risk communities in resilience building, adaptation and disaster response. Help visitors and host communities experience better balance with nature.
- Collaborate: Share evidence of risks and solutions with all stakeholders and our guests, and work together to ensure our plans are as effective and co-ordinated as possible. Strengthen governance and capacity for action at all levels, including national and sub-national authorities, civil society, large companies and SMEs, vulnerable groups, local communities and visitors.
- Finance: Ensure organisational resources and capacity are sufficient to meet objectives set out in climate plans, including the financing of training, research and implementation of effective fiscal and policy tools where appropriate to accelerate transition.
All tourism businesses are encouraged to take action on climate change. So next time you’re traveling, you can ask about whether your tourism group has submitted an SBTI, has commitments to climate change or has signed the Glasgow Declaration.
