The budget airline EasyJet came out with a pretty bold statement this week, declaring that it will become the first major carrier to operate net-zero carbon flights. While that won’t be from zero-carbon technologies just yet, the airline announced it will offset all carbon emissions from the fuel used on every flight.
To offset the carbon, EasyJet will invest in “projects that include planting trees or protecting against deforestation.” The cost of the program is estimated at 25 million pounds ($32 million). EasyJet recognizes that this is only an “interim measure” until new technologies get developed, such as hybrid and electric planes, which EasyJet is also investing in.
Although the airline industry is responsible for a disproportionate level of emissions, it’s good to see airlines such as EasyJet and KLM step up their game in the quest to cut aviation emissions.
