In a world where we are constantly reminded about the negative impact we are having on our planet, I believe it is time for us all to step up and take notice of the very real issues of global warming and climate change.

As a child growing up in the 70’s, spring arrived in April, summer ran from June to September, and winter began to raise its head around the end of November, but if we fast-forward to 2012, the weather patterns are most definitely changing, and not for the better.

In northern Europe we had one of the coldest winters on record with temperatures diving below minus 20°, and now here we are at the end of March experiencing temperatures in the mid 20s Celsius (70s Fahrenheit), which was simply unheard of some 30 years ago.

We only have to look at the North and South Poles to understand the detrimental impact we are having on our planet, and if we are to leave something behind for the next generations, we need to stop cutting down our rainforests and start acting responsibly by reducing our carbon emissions.

As a constant traveller, I am well aware that I’m leaving more than footprints in the sand when I take a trip abroad.  Air travel and cruising leaves a rather significant carbon footprint behind, and while I am not prepared to stay at home, I am prepared to offset the carbon emissions created by my travel arrangements, and it doesn’t cost as much as you think.

Many different companies out there can help you offset your CO² emissions, with ClimateCare being our preferred organisation.  Ideal for both businesses and individuals, ClimateCareoffer a simple to use Carbon Calculator that enables you to offset the emissions of your next flight, and it is often much cheaper than doing it through the airline. For example, a return trip from London to Cape Town, South Africa costs a mere £22, a small price to pay for tackling climate change, poverty and development issues around the world.

I believe that everyone would like to “do their bit” in reducing climate change, but often we don’t know where to start.  Recycle, Reuse and Reduce is a mantra for many, and if you enjoy travelling as I do, then responsible and sustainable tourism is a great place to start.

Simple things like staying in hotels owned by locals who employ locals, rather than the big chain brands we are all familiar with, help support the local communities, and by providing jobs and education, we can help the new generations understand how important our role is, in reducing and conserving precious water supplies and resources.

The travel and tourism industry is definitely taking notice, with huge annual conventions such as the World Travel Market dedicating a full day to World Responsible Tourism, and if we ask for carbon offsetting and request to stay in local hotels, the industry will have no choice but to listen.

As every fellow traveller will agree, the world is one big, beautiful place.  So why don’t we leave it that way for our great, great-grandchildren to enjoy, by lending our support when it needs us most.