The Extinction Crisis: What does this mean for Travel?

Journal

For us at Pelorus and our conservation-focused charity the Pelorus Foundation, we strive to do our utmost to limit the devastating impact of the Sixth Mass Extinction.

Mass extinctions are defined as the loss of 75% of species over a short geological period. Many scientists believe that a sixth mass extinction is well underway, however, this one is caused by humans and is proceeding at a rate 100 times faster than its predecessors. Scientists at the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity stated that, every day, up to 150 plant and animal species may go extinct due to the human-centred world of habitat loss and constant change.

A dolphin leaps gracefully above the surface of the sparkling blue ocean, creating a splash as it breaches the water.

Within the last century, native species have shrunk to 20% in land-based habitats from habitat fragmentation caused by such issues as soil degradation, deforestation and pollution. Larger vertebrae species such as whales, sea turtles, and birds are disappearing.

Many believe that an instant halt in business and capitalism is the only way to stop this sixth mass extinction event, shifting the onus of the environmental catastrophe onto a small portion of individuals and companies who thrive on it to turn a hefty profit. Unfortunately, such a result is unrealistic, but luckily, such extremity is not the only solution.

“Yet the history of our world shows even in the face of cataclysmic events, nature somehow finds a way. Our planet can get along perfectly well without humans but we cannot survive at all without all the services that nature provides. So I suppose we have to ask: will self-interest kick in before it is too late for our species?”

– Sir David Attenborough

Instead, we must focus on developing concepts such as sustainable finance, sustainable travel, and sustainable agriculture. By doing this, we can avoid greenwashing, and we can make it clear that the environment is our first priority ahead of human activity.

It is no longer enough to raise awareness about this climate catastrophe, it is now time for us to reshape our business, social and personal habits in line with the very fact that when nature flourishes, so do we. Without it, we do not only struggle, but cease to exist. Here at Pelorus, we strive to limit the impact of this climate catastrophe by ensuring care for the world around us is our first priority in every single one of our trips.

We benefit from working with a network of experts in this field across the world, so we are striving to work for the good of our planet in all that we do. We are constantly working to educate ourselves on the threat of the sixth mass extinction, and to inspire our clients to do the same.

A humpback whale breaches the surface of the ocean, creating a splash as it leaps into the air against a backdrop of blue skies and calm waters.
A sea turtle gracefully swims underwater, surrounded by clear blue water and a hint of coral in the background.

Empower yourself and your family to make a positive change. Pelorus guests can take part in conservation efforts across the world. Take part in key marine conservation activities accompanied by leading scientists and researchers in Mozambique, carrying out critical research on habitats and species in areas where little research has previously been conducted. Help track endangered animals such as the mountain gorilla in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or support the environment by basing your trip at a luxury eco-hotel like Pacuare Lodge in Costa Rica.

Feeling Inspired?

Head to the Pelorus Foundation to discover how our charitable organisation is playing a crucial role in the protection, preservation, and promotion of wild species and wild places across the planet and how you could play your part or get in touch to start planning.

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