Thomas Cook was a British travel company that operated for over 178 years until it declared bankruptcy in September 2019. As a major player in the global travel industry, Thomas Cook had a significant impact on the environment through its operations and the travel of its customers. In this essay, we will examine the environmental impact of Thomas Cook and discuss how the company addressed and attempted to mitigate its environmental impacts.
One of the primary ways that Thomas Cook impacted the environment was through its use of airplanes for travel. Air travel is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. In 2018, the aviation industry was responsible for around 2.5% of global carbon dioxide emissions, and this number is expected to increase as the demand for air travel continues to grow. Thomas Cook operated a fleet of over 100 aircraft, which contributed to the company's carbon footprint and contributed to climate change.
In addition to the emissions from its aircraft, Thomas Cook also contributed to environmental degradation through the construction and operation of hotels and resorts. These facilities require large amounts of energy and water, and they can also generate significant amounts of waste. The company operated over 400 hotels and resorts in destinations around the world, which had the potential to impact local ecosystems and communities.
Despite the environmental impacts of its operations, Thomas Cook did take steps to address and mitigate these impacts. In 2018, the company launched a sustainability program called "Better Holidays, Better World," which focused on reducing the company's environmental footprint and promoting sustainable tourism practices. As part of this program, Thomas Cook committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and offsetting the remaining emissions through the purchase of carbon credits. The company also worked to reduce water and energy consumption at its hotels and resorts, and it implemented waste reduction programs.
In conclusion, Thomas Cook was a major player in the global travel industry that had a significant impact on the environment through its operations and the travel of its customers. While the company did take steps to address and mitigate its environmental impacts, the impact of its operations on the environment cannot be denied. As the demand for travel continues to grow, it is important for companies like Thomas Cook to continue to prioritize sustainability and work towards reducing their environmental impacts.