Intrepid is one of more than 500 companies around the world – and the first tour operator - to adopt verified environmental targets from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

The initiative is in line with the 1.5°C degree target set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement where world leaders promised to take measures to prevent the earth’s temperature rising by more than 1.5°C by 2035.

Intrepid said it would be “taking a series of actions to further transform its business for a low-carbon future”, including cutting emissions from operations and trips, by using lower-carbon transport options such as high-speed rail.

The operator also plans to expand its range of new “close to home” trips to more than 100 itineraries in 2021 meaning that many customers will not have to fly to start their itineraries.

James Thornton, Intrepid Travel’s chief executive, said: “Intrepid’s verified science-based targets mark the most significant step we’ve taken on our climate journey in the past 15 years.

“Setting science-based targets is widely considered the most effective way for companies to take significant climate action, and we’re proud to be building our business towards a 1.5°C future.

“Our hope is that we can use this as a rallying cry to the entire industry that climate action needs to be a critical priority in travel’s post-Covid recovery. We simply can’t rebuild at the expense of the planet.”