Cause and effect

Where else to lend a hand on holiday.

Environmental research near Churchill, Canada

Help scientists understand how climate change is affecting the earth’s most fragile regions. Spend 11 days on Earthwatch Institute’s (earthwatch.org) Climate Change at the Arctic’s Edge expedition, taking water and snow samples, observing wildlife and perhaps sleeping in an igloo one night.

Marine volunteering in the Maldives

Accredited scuba divers can explore the 26 coral atolls of the Maldives while gathering data about reefs and whale sharks with marine biologists. Biosphere Expeditions’ (biosphere-expeditions.org) seven-day trips include luxury accommodation on a yacht.

Assisting teachers in Udaipur, India

Pod Volunteer (podvolunteer. org) enables you to support primary schools in rural communities by working alongside local teams in the classroom. Everything from leading games sessions to assisting with arts and crafts helps to build kids’ confidence and relieve the pressure on teachers.

Business development in Cuzco, Peru

Through Global Vision International (gvi.co.uk), use your skills in finance, marketing, human resources or management to help locals develop businesses and apply for microfinancing.

Rhino conservation in South Africa

Want to do more than go on safari? African Conservation Experience (conservation africa.net) merges a safari in Kruger National Park with caring for black and white rhinoceroses at the world’s largest rhino sanctuary.