British Airways aims to limit its impact on climate change with a host of new projects including a new carbon offset scheme, a public backing for deforestation prevention in Brazil and a detailed level of research into the effects of non-carbon emissions on the environment. British Airways’ carbon offset scheme will use UN certified reductions to help support projects in developing countries such as China, where a new wind will be supported in one of the poorest areas. Customers will be able to back the scheme by choosing to offset when they book their flights on the BA website.
The scheme has been welcomed by Hilary Benn, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary: "After avoiding and reducing our emissions, offsetting has a role to play in helping us all to tackle climate change. That's why Government has been working to set up a code of best practice for companies who sell carbon offsetting, I hope this welcome scheme will encourage BA customers to offset their flights and so help to tackle emissions from aviation."
British Airways head of corporate responsibility, Silla Maizey claimed the initiatives underlined the seriousness of the airline's commitment to tackling climate change, stating: "We were the first airline to offer carbon offsets, and we intend to remain at the forefront in this area."
"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... We are also very pleased to help protect valuable rainforests, and address one of the most crucial factors in global warming.”
Finally, British Airways will also back Cambridge University led research aimed at establishing a broader understanding of non-CO2 effects by 2012. Maizey added: "The work at Cambridge will examine another important aspect of climate change – and underlines the breadth of our approach to the whole issue.”
