Aviation industry accounts for two percent of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions and has come under increasing pressure from environmental campaigners. Realizing the environmental impact of flying and their contribution to the greenhouse gas emission, several airlines are taking ardent steps.
Australian airline Qantas Airways Ltd. and its popular budget carrier Jetstar are the latest airlines to join the rush of airlines going eco-friendly. Qantas has set a target of cutting its emissions by two million tones by 2011. Virgin Blue, Australia’s second-largest carrier launched an offset program earlier this year.
Qantas and Jetstar have launched a new carbon offsetting scheme for all of its international and domestic passengers. Australia-Los Angeles flight generates around 1.4 tons of greenhouse gases per passenger, can be offset by paying just 17 Australian dollars ($14.50; 10.46 euros) per flight.
The launched scheme will let travelers calculate the per-passenger emissions of their flights and buy carbon dioxide credits. The money which airlines will earn through this offset program will be used for government-approved environment-friendly projects. Moreover, 90,000 mallee eucalyptus trees will be planted across Australia to offset the carbon dioxide emissions.
Offsets are no doubt, the powerful weapon in the fight to reduce greenhouse gases and presently, the airlines are launching their offset programs voluntarily but it is anticipated that air travel carbon offsets could become mandatory in nearby future.
Source: MSNBC
