British Airways launched “CO2llaborate”, its new platform for the purchase of carbon removal credits. The new initiative is in addition to the previously available carbon offsetting mechanisms.
As the company explained in a press release, the credits are issued for carbon capture and removal projects. In that sense, the British carrier’s tool works in a similar way to other programmes developed by industry players.
As of yesterday, British Airways customers can select a combination of two independently certified carbon removal projects. According to the company, new projects will be added in the near future.
Customers contribution will go to the “Blue Carbon Mangrove” project in the Indus River Delta in Pakistan and “Freres Biochar”, which involves the production of a carbon-rich charcoal-like material from agricultural waste and wood.
How it works
The new platform allows customers to calculate the emissions of each of their flights. With that data, passengers can choose to purchase carbon credits before boarding or after completing their journey. In addition, British Airways now allows this option to be selected directly on board and during any flight with an internet connection.
Traditional offset initiatives work on the basis of projects that avoid, reduce or remove from the atmosphere an amount of carbon dioxide equivalent to that emitted by an activity. This is a common option among companies providing transport services. Many airlines offer this possibility.
On the other hand, carbon removal projects consist of direct actions to remove it from the atmosphere and from the carbon cycle. That is, they involve the removal of carbon from the terrestrial biosphere, oceans or sediments.
While both mechanisms are important for reducing excess carbon as a product of human activities, climate and atmospheric composition scientists argue that a gradual transition towards supporting more carbon removal projects is desirable as advances are made in technological solutions, verification standards and political support mechanisms.
“By choosing carbon removals projects as part of their action to address the emissions associated with flying, our customers are not only joining us on our journey to a more sustainable future, but also helping accelerate the development of the vital carbon removal industry”, said Carrie Harris, Director of Sustainability at British Airways.
See also: Lufthansa now allows carbon footprint offsetting directly on board
