SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Affordable & Clean Energy
Members of Australian Wildlife Journeys acknowledge that a climate emergency exists and that global net carbon dioxide emissions must drop by 45% between 2010 and 2030, and reach net zero around 2050. Sadly, guides are reporting on a daily basis that global warming is causing long-lasting changes to the majority of ecosystems across Australia, with irreversible consequences sure to occur if we do not act collaboratively.
Over half of Australian Wildlife Journeys’ members are 100% dependent on solar energy to power administration offices, with The Maria Island Walk and Lords Kakadu & Arnhemland Safaris operating permanent camps almost entirely energy neutral, with solar panels powering lighting, fridges and fans.
Several vessels across the collective are also taking advantage of solar technology, including Murray River Trails, who launched the new ‘High River’ vessel in 2022. Measuring 24 metres long, 8.5 metres wide, the vessel is fixed with 52 solar panels generating an impressive 20 kilowatts, with no need for diesel motors as found on standard commercial houseboats.
Exmouth Dive & Whalesharks Ningaloo use solar panels on the roof of vessels to help charge batteries. Inverters are used to run the desalination facilities off the main engine whilst the vessels are under way, to save using generator set. FNQ Nature Tours have a preferred arrangement with Solar Whisper for their Daintree River Cruises, which uses solar panels on the boat’s roof to provide the overwhelming majority of energy used, and an experience with no exhaust, fume or wake.
Exceptional Kangaroo Island and Australian Coastal Safaris now offer guided electric bike wildlife experiences, as an alternative to the traditional 4WD touring options. In addition to offering a more sustainable way of getting around, these experiences offer increased opportunities for guests to immerse themselves in nature, fresh air and movement.
Australian Wildlife Journeys is in the process of setting science-based targets, implementing mechanisms to enable the calculation of carbon emissions across all organisation types and decreasing emissions through technological advancements in hybrid and hydrogen technologies.
