Hertfordshire-based motivation and events company MotivAction, is taking a leading role in tackling climate change in the incentive travel business by encouraging its clients to switch from short-haul flights to rail travel. The company claims this is in direct response to the IPCC climate change report published earlier this month.

“Climate change could be catastrophic, and we can either make it worse or act now. Our business profits from one of the major causes – air travel. Taking the action is a moral responsibility of everyone involved in incentive travel,” says MD Tim Waygood. “Aviation represents the world’s fastest growing source of carbon dioxide emissions. With fuel not subject to tax, this enables cheap flights in terms of monetary value but huge costs in terms of pollution.”

The company is currently developing solutions using Eurostar and also plans to offer a range of alternative “green” incentive rewards and incentives aimed at enabling clients to integrate corporate social responsibility.

“The biggest impact will be if the incentive industry can help herald a new golden age for train travel; which if powered by electricity from renewable energy cuts damage to the environment by 99%. If rail replaces flying for short-haul incentives, the key will be making the travel part of the reward. We plan to be pro-active and pre-emptive here, and offer luxurious, exciting and intriguing travel options.”

To view the full IPCC report click here