Frequently asked questions

How much does air travel contribute to my CO₂ footprint?

Global tourism accounts for eight percent of the global CO₂ emission, when taking the whole supply chain from hotel to tourism to food and beverages to retail offerings into account. Having said this, it becomes apparent that travel distance and transportation mode have the biggest impact on the magnitude of direct tourism missions and thus on the CO₂ footprint. Therefore, air travel contributes far more to the climate-damaging CO₂ emissions than any other part of the journey. For example, long-haul flights account for only 2% of all tourist travel between the five largest regions of world tourism, but contribute 16% to the CO₂ emissions of global tourism. (University of Sydney, UNWTO)

How do the climate protection contributions work and how is the amount calculated?

The passenger pays a specific amount based on the greenhouse gas emissions calculated, which myclimate then invests in climate protection projects. This sum is invested by myclimate in climate protection projects. myclimate supports projects that use renewable energies, encourage energy efficiency and reduce methane emissions; it also backs reforestation and new forestation initiatives that help ease the pressure on valuable woodland and on biodiversity hotspots. The money helps climate protection projects save an equivalent quantity of climate-impacting emissions. With your money, you make a contribution to climate protection equating to the emissions calculated. This way, you take responsibility for the greenhouse gases caused.

Find out more about the calculation method.

Why are emissions higher when I fly in a premium seat (business or first class)?

Premium-class seating configurations take up more room and weight in a plane than economy class. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) the CO₂ emissions attributable to a premium class seat are twice as high as for an economy one.

What kind of projects does my donation help, and how do you guarantee that the projects really do effectively help mitigate climate change?

myclimate projects meet the highest standards (Gold Standard, Plan Vivo and VCS (incl. CBB and/or SD-VISta)), and are proven not only to reduce greenhouse gases, but also to foster sustainable development at a local and regional level. Climate protection projects result in lower CO₂ emissions whilst contributing significantly to sustainable development in the region. The Gold Standard is an internationally recognized independent label awarded to high-quality climate protection projects and the emission reduction certificates they earn. Go here to read more about how myclimate projects in Kenya and in Tanzania are contributing to social, environmental and economic development.

Do I have the right to reimbursement of my climate protection contribution if I don’t take the flight?

This is not possible, since the contribution is handled like a donation. If a flight or cruise is not taken, your support payment may be transferred to a subsequent flight or cruise.

How much of my climate protection contribution ends up in the project?

An investment in climate protection is only effective if the money actually directly benefits the climate protection projects. As a charitable foundation, myclimate guarantees that at least 80 per cent of contributions are used to fund climate protection projects on the ground.

Do you have any more questions?

We'd pleased to answer them. Just contact us at cr@dertouristik.ch