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Reducing Footprints In The Sky

Malaysia Airlines on Friday launched a carbon offset program, allowing environmentally conscious travelers to pledge a contribution to reduce the effects of greenhouse gas emission on their flights.

The flag carrier and its subsidiaries, Firefly and MASwings, are the latest airlines to provide jet-setters with a way to reduce their carbon footprint through investing in renewable energy or other sustainable development projects.

Travelers logging on to either of the airlines' booking systems can tap in the origin and destination of their flight and calculate how much heat-trapping carbon dioxide they are responsible for releasing into the environment.

They can pledge contributions to a trust fund, which will be channeled toward protecting Malaysian rainforests, a natural carbon sink that cut greenhouse gases and curb the onset of climate change, Malaysia Airlines said.

"This project is part of our companywide commitment toward environmental responsibility," Chief Executive Idris Jala said in a statement.

Since 2005, the airline has cut fuel consumption by flying more direct routes at the most economical speed, and using lighter and cleaner aircraft to improve fuel efficiency, he said.

It has also embarked on green programs on the ground in waste management practices, energy conservation and increasing the use of biodegradable products, he said.

"Running tighter and greener operations in the air and on the ground makes both business and environmental sense," he added.

The aviation industry accounts for about 2 percent of the world's carbon dioxide emissions and has come under increasing pressure from environmental campaigners.

Several airlines have launched similar programs, including Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways, its sister unit Dragonair, Australian national carrier Qantas and its no-frills subsidiary Jetstar.

Critics say carbon offset programs do not have a major impact on greenhouse gas emissions, but make consumers feel better about polluting the environment because they pay a fee.

Source: http://www.cbsnews.com

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