According to Clia Europe CEO Marie-Caroline Laurent, the cruise industry is on track to meet its 2030 carbon reduction targets. But Laurent told delegates during a panel session at the 2023 Clia conference aboard P&O Cruises' Arvia on Sunday (May 14) that moving to net zero by 2050 requires "even more effort". “Our goal of net zero by 2050 seems far away, but this is happening now,” she added. “But we are on track to achieve our goal of a global emissions reduction of 40 % by 2030.” The acceleration towards the target has been strengthened, Laurent added, by governments adopting new rules for the installation of shore-side electricity interconnection in more European ports.  Laurent was joined on the panel by marine biologist Monty Halls and Ocean Generation founder Jo Ruxton. Halls applauded the sector for supporting more sustainable travel, but warned that customers were not prepared to be “taught” about environmental policies.  "You have to be subtle with your messages and get them across in that way," he added. "It's going to take a while, no one's fault, but it takes a while for it to resonate with people, and you can't be too aggressive." Ruxton said the “easiest” environmental problem that companies can fix is the use of plastics on board ships. “You don’t have to be a politician or a scientist to make a change – anyone can,” she advised the agents. “The impact of everyone making a behavioral change will be much more important than an individual.”

(by Will Payne)