British Airways has unveiled a new carbon offset scheme and research into the effects of aircraft non-carbon emissions.
The airline claims its upgraded offset scheme uses UN certified emissions reductions to help finance clean energy projects in developing countries.
it sayd the scheme is more user-friendly because customers can buy their offset in one transaction when they book their flight on ba.com.
In addition to the offset scheme, BA will invest in a range of projects to help protect the Brazilian rainforest and improve understanding of ways of combating one of the largest sources of greenhouse gases.
It will also back work led by Cambridge University aimed at establishing robust scientific understanding of the non-CO2 effects of aviation by 2012.
Silla Maizey, BA’s head of corporate responsibility, said: “We were the first airline to offer carbon offsets, and we intend to remain at the forefront in this area.
“The UN framework guarantees that offset payments will lead to genuine reductions in emissions through the projects we have chosen with our new provider, Morgan Stanley.
“We need a broad response to climate change: controlling our emissions with cleaner aircraft, the inclusion of aviation in emissions trading and the setting of tough international emissions targets.
“Offsetting is closely related to emissions trading. It is valuable in itself and improves general understanding of how carbon trading works.”
By Bev Fearis
