British Airways has made a significant commitment to combating climate change by investing over £9 million in carbon removal credits. This six-year agreement supports innovative projects both in the UK and internationally, aligning with the airline’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
One leading initiative in Scotland involves capturing carbon dioxide from whisky distilleries and repurposing it into building materials.
Another project, utilizing enhanced rock weathering, aims to lock away carbon for thousands of years. Additionally, the airline has purchased carbon removal credits from companies specializing in reforestation projects in Scotland and Wales.
Supporting International Carbon Capture Projects
In addition to these UK-based projects, British Airways is also supporting carbon removal initiatives in Canada and India.
In Canada, the airline is investing in projects that capture carbon from rivers and oceans using alkaline rock particles. This innovative approach offers a sustainable and scalable solution for removing carbon from the atmosphere.
In India, British Airways is partnering with a biochar project that empowers female farmers while improving soil biodiversity and agricultural yields.
Biochar is a charcoal-like material that is produced from the pyrolysis of biomass. When added to soil, biochar can sequester carbon and improve soil fertility, leading to increased agricultural productivity.
To ensure the quality and effectiveness of its carbon removal investments, British Airways has partnered with CUR8, a UK-based company specializing in sourcing high-quality carbon removal credits. By working with CUR8, the airline can access a diverse portfolio of projects that align with its sustainability goals.
Investments as a Crucial Step to Net-Zero
Carrie Harris, Director of Sustainability at British Airways, emphasized the importance of carbon removal in achieving net-zero emissions. She stated, “These investments are a crucial step in stimulating the carbon removal market and supporting pioneering solutions.”
“By taking action now, we are not only contributing to immediate progress but also laying the groundwork for the large-scale changes needed to address climate change.”
Carbon removal is a critical component of achieving net-zero emissions. By capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, we can offset the emissions that are difficult or impossible to reduce. British Airways’ commitment to carbon removal is a significant step in the right direction.
Conclusion
By supporting a variety of carbon removal projects, British Airways is demonstrating its leadership in sustainability. The airline’s investment in this area is not only helping to reduce its own carbon footprint but also driving innovation and scaling up carbon removal solutions.
These new partnerships complement the existing progress the airline is already making towards its sustainability goals. These include investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) projects in the UK and USA. Around 1% SAF is routinely delivered into existing pipeline infrastructure at Heathrow.
This year, British Airways invested in its ground vehicle operation at Heathrow, with more than 90% of vehicles and ground equipment now zero emissions (when being used or driven), hybrids or are operating on HVO fuel.
As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, British Airways’ commitment to carbon removal comes as a strong step. By taking bold action and investing in sustainable solutions, the airline is paving the way for a more sustainable future.
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