According to the BBC, when airlines do offer such a scheme, generally fewer than one per cent of flyers are choosing to spend more.
Now the Chairman of ClimateCare has said it is essential that either the airline or the customer takes responsibility for the emissions from their flights.
Said Edward Hanrahan, ClimateCare’s Chairman: “We know that many airlines are looking at ways to reduce the environmental impact of their flights – so what can they do in the interim to help their passengers reduce their personal travel carbon footprint?
“If flying, it is essential that either the airline or the customer takes responsibility for the emissions from these flights. Some airlines such as Virgin Atlantic and Air New Zealand provide their passengers with easy to use carbon offset calculators. For maximum effectiveness, these should be well signed and effectively promoted to passengers.
“It should also be made as simple as possible for passengers to offset, for example within the booking path and when checking-in online. Finally, airlines need to ensure they are working with a reputable partner with a strong delivery track record.”
Carbon offsetting allows passengers to pay extra to help compensate for the carbon emissions produced from their flight.
The money is then invested in environmental projects – like planting trees or installing solar panels – which reduce the carbon dioxide in the air by the same amount.
Passengers can pay the additional charge when they buy their ticket from participating airlines, but independent offsetting companies also exist.
The price varies between airlines, but a return flight from London and Cape Town, South Africa would cost roughly £20 to offset, according to ClimateCare.
ClimateCare is a profit with purpose business which works with forward-thinking organisations to help turn their climate responsibilities into positive outcomes. Since 1997, ClimateCare says that it and its partners have cut over 33 million tonnes of CO₂ and improved quality of life for more than 34 million people around the world. ClimateCare develops cost-efficient, high impact, Climate+Care programmes to tackle poverty, improve health, and protect the environment
To find out more information on how you can join up contact your Account Manager.