<
https://theconversation.com/bucking-the-trend-is-there-a-future-for-ultra-long-haul-flights-in-a-net-zero-carbon-world-183212>
"This year, Qantas announced two plans in direct conflict. In March,
Australia’s largest airline group went public with the admirable goal of
achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and a 25% reduction by 2030 by using new
clean fuels, boosting efficiency and using carbon offsets. For the aviation
industry, this was a watershed moment, containing world-leading detail and bold
links between executive pay and improved sustainability.
But only two months later, Qantas confirmed its order for 12 new Airbus planes
capable of ultra long-distance flights, making possible non-stop flights from
Sydney and Melbourne to London or New York.
What’s the conflict? These long distance flights must carry substantially more
fuel and, as a result, fewer passengers, making them markedly less efficient.
If the aviation industry heads down this route, it will be a backwards step in
the fight against climate change. While Qantas intends these flights to be
carbon neutral, this will have to involve carbon offsets given there are no
other options at present.
As the world gets more serious about climate action, flights like this will
come under scrutiny."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
