The low-budget airline brand EasyJet has unveiled a ‘roadmap to net zero by 2050’. It includes hydrogen-powered jet engines and a replacement of kerosene-fuelled planes. The company is also dropping its controversial carbon offsetting scheme.
Now that we’re finally climbing our way out of the pandemic, flights and international holidays are making a big comeback.
While business executives will be happy to see the recovery, an increased rate in flying is likely to be a potential disaster for our environment. The aviation industry is already a huge problem for the climate, with recent studies urging for emissions to be cut now if we’re to keep below a 1.5C global temperature increase.
EasyJet’s latest roadmap doesn’t promise this immediately, but it does set out a path to net zero planes by 2050.
How will this be achieved, you might be wondering? EasyJet says it will be pushing to switch to sustainable aviation fuel, use more fuel-efficient planes, and incorporate carbon capturing to meet the deadline. It will also continue to invest in new technologies to curb emissions moving forward.
Perhaps most notably, the airline will be halting its ‘carbon credits’ offset emission system that attempted to balance out any negative environmental effects of its practices. This was controversial from the outset, with a Guardian investigation finding the system to be fundamentally flawed and potential greenwashing.
It insisted that it would ‘not invest less’ in sustainability initiatives, mind, suggesting that its efforts to become greener are growing rather than regressing.
While many of these planned ideas are long-term, easyJet did outline some more abrupt changes.
Fleet replacements will soon cut back 15% of emissions, with 168 more A320neos being ordered from Airbus. EasyJet will also retrofit existing planes with technology to optimise flight descent and fuel burn.
Johan Lundgren, chief executive at easyJet, said its plan was the more ambitious than any of its competitors. ‘We have already reduced our carbon emissions per passenger, per kilometre, by one-third, so this marks a significant acceleration in our decarbonisation’.
All of this together means that easyJet predicts it can cut its emissions by 78% in the next three decades. Carbon capture will then push the company to be entirely net zero.
It makes sense that mainstream companies are pushing climate focused policies, especially as Gen Z become a larger portion of the traveller market. Big brands will need to keep up with emissions and net zero targets if they want to appeal to younger people.
I’m Charlie (He/Him), Deputy Editor and Senior Writer at Thred. I was previously the Editor full-time at Thred before moving to Bristol in 2024. I have since returned to London. As a music and gaming enthusiast, I’m a nerd for pop culture. You can find me curating playlists, designing article headline images, and sipping cider on a Thursday. Follow me on LinkedIn and drop me some ideas/feedback via email.
A diminishing appetite for booze has ushered in a new, downsized, era for the cocktail.
It’s been reported for some time now that young people are drinking less. Our parent’s generation were privy to the 80s cocktail goldrush, whetted with Piña Coladas and Blue Lagoons. And millennials have held up national drinking standards having come of age in the alcopop era.
But for many people my age (I sit on the...
While billions have been poured into manufacturing hydrogen the dirty way, experts in Canada found what was once thought to be impossible: a steady stream of white hydrogen.
Last year, thanks to a surge in solar panel installations, the world raved about how renewables overtook coal to become one of the largest suppliers of energy. Not to burst that bubble, but as great as that achievement is, it only...
A month ago, local election results dominated UK political headlines. Reform UK celebrated historic gains, Liberal Democrats became a fan favourite, and Greens climbed up the ladder.
Now that maps have stopped changing colour and victory speeches are over, the dust has finally settled and perhaps the most interesting question isn’t who won the local elections, but what they actually tell us about the state of British politics.
For many young...
French authorities arrested over 400 people due to clashes between football fans following the Champions League final.
More than 400 arrests were made across France following Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)'s victory over Arsenal on Saturday evening, with clashes erupting between fans and police in Paris and other cities. Vehicles were damaged and businesses vandalised, officers injured and tear gas deployed. As is often the case after major league games, by...
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
0 comments
