Carnival donates $50,000 to Alaska's Carbon Reduction Fund

The donation was made as a result of a partnership between the Carnival shore excursions team and Allen Marine Tours, a family-owned business and one of the oldest tour companies in the region. The money will support the ACRF’s lower-income fuel-switching programme, which provides emission-free heating systems to qualified residents.

ACRF’s initiative utilises hydroelectric power to heat homes without relying on diesel fuel, mitigating carbon dioxide emissions while significantly reducing annual heating costs. The programme directs its revenues, donations and grants toward replacing oil-burning heating systems with efficient and emissions-free air source heat pumps in the homes of lower-income families.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said: “Our guests and crew value the hospitality and partnership of Alaska residents and as we get ready to end another successful season, we are making this contribution as a show of our appreciation and our mutual commitment to sustainable resources.”

Andy Romanoff, Alaska Heat Smart executive director and ACRF programme manager, said: “Carnival Cruise Line’s generous donation to the Alaska Carbon Reduction Fund will help to catalyse further growth of the fund and its impacts on families that need assistance the most.

"Not only will families benefit through lowered heating costs, but southeast Alaska communities will also benefit as well. Heating dollars will circulate locally, contractors will realise additional work opportunities, and the tremendous hydroelectric resources of the region will displace imported, carbon heavy heating fuels.”