Melbourne-based company Intrepid Travel has committed to becoming the first of its kind to be ‘climate positive’ by 2020.

This means the already carbon-neutral business will create an environmental benefit by removing additional carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Joining forces with the Climate Foundation and the University of Tasmania, The Intrepid Foundation is crowdfunding for a new marine permaculture initiative that will regenerate marine ecosystems in Tasmania and sequester carbon from the atmosphere.

All donations made to the project through the foundation will be matched dollar for dollar with the goal of raising $350,000. The seaweed project will be one of the first of its kind in Australia.

Darrell Wade (pictured above), co-founder of Intrepid, said: “The global climate crisis is escalating, but ignoring the problem isn’t going to make it go away. We need to act now. The good news is that there are solutions.”

Intrepid has been a carbon-neutral company since 2010, purchasing carbon credits associated with a range of renewable energy projects. These include a wind power project in India, a rainforest restoration initiative in Borneo and forest protection project in Malawi.

“We can’t rely on government. Climate action has to be a priority for government, private enterprise and consumers,” Wade said.

“We all have a responsibility to make urgent positive difference.”

Dr Brian von Herzen, executive director of the Climate Foundation, said: “Marine permaculture enables us to regenerate kelp forests that have been lost to climate disruption.

“These projects not only draw down carbon dioxide – they help to ensure marine biodiversity for generations to come.”

Inspired by children around the world striking for climate action and the visionary new documentary 2040, Intrepid Travel will also donate 40 per cent of all profits from its family holidays booked by the end of June 2019.

“From tiger-spotting in India’s Ranthambore National Park to trekking Costa Rica’s active volcanoes, these family trips showcase Earth’s finest to our next generation of travellers who will go on to change the world,” Wade said.

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