Talking about only the transport industry, aviation is responsible for 12% of carbon dioxide emissions. This move has given hope that other countries might get inspired to come up with such plans.
The U.K. announced the Jet Zero plan, intending to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions caused by the aviation industries, to make carbon-free transatlantic flights possible. Transport secretary Grant Shapps announced the plan on 12th June 2020. Transatlantic flights fly across the Atlantic Ocean, from Europe, Africa, the Middle East to North America, Central America, and South America.
A group was formed bringing together leaders from the aviation industry, environmental conservation groups, and the government to form the Jet Zero Council. The group also plans to rebuild the industry in a greener way post the pandemic. Shapps said the industry is determined to have a greener restart.
The plan is to make the country net-zero by 2050. The emissions by the transport industry are the toughest to bring down. The aviation industry's emission has increased by 70% since 2005. The announcement was very well received by the Airlines U.K., the industry association representing U.K. registered carriers. The CEO of the group, Mr. Tim Alderslade, emphasized the fact that the U.K. has huge opportunities to become a world-leader in sustainable aviation fuel and electric aviation. The industry also supports millions of jobs and thousands of highly-skilled jobs and jet zero plans will provide export opportunities.
Many challenges will be faced by the council in the way. Net-zero emission means doing away with fossil fuels and other sources as well, which is causing emission. The net emission calculations also take into account the balanced absorption of the equivalent amount by the atmosphere.
World’s First Electric Commercial Plane
It took off from the Canadian city of Vancouver and offering hope that the airlines may one day end their polluting emissions. Seattle-based engineering firm MagniX designed the motor and working in partnership with Harbour Air, which ferries half a million passengers a year between Vancouver.
Sources: Facts and Figures Indian Express
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