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UK Government unveils £4.3m subsidies for domestic flights, despite green backlash
Just weeks after cutting air passenger duty for short-haul flights, in a move broadly dubbed hypocritical in light of national net-zero targets, the UK Government has announced up to £4.3m in additional funding for domestic flight routes.
9 things you need to know from Transport Day at COP26
Transport has been the order of the day for the presidency programme at COP26 on the second and final Wednesday (10 November) of the summit. Here, edie rounds up eight of the day's major headlines.
COP26: Nations to develop aviation emissions targets, airlines use joint purchasing power to scale alternative fuels
Nations and states representing more than 40% of global aviation emissions have committed to developing a new 1.5C-aligned joint emissions target at COP26, while a coalition of aviation firms have unveiled new measures to scale supply chains for sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs).
First Movers Coalition: Corporates in high-emitting sectors convene to drive demand for cleantech
Boeing, Amazon and Volvo Group are among the members of a new coalition of businesses pledging to support the development of low-carbon technologies for hard-to-abate sectors like aviation and heavy industry, launched at COP26.
Steel and aviation sectors plot pathway to net-zero by 2050
Dozens of big-name businesses across some of the world's highest emitting and hardest to decarbonise sectors have signed up to new multi-trillion-dollar pathways for reaching net-zero by 2050.
Virgin Atlantic unveils new carbon targets to help reach net-zero by 2050
Virgin Atlantic has today (11 October) confirmed new carbon targets that will push the company towards a goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
IATA signals support for global net-zero aviation sector by 2050, with strategy reliant on SAF
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has supported a resolution calling for the global sector to reach net-zero by 2050, unveiling plans that rely on sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) for 65% of emissions cuts.
Shipping and fuel giants call for government action to spur net-zero progress
More than 150 major organisations across the global maritime value chain have called on governments to develop policies that will enable full decarbonisation of the entire sector.
Airlines could account for 20% of global emissions by 2050, report finds
Unless the aviation sector accelerates efforts to decarbonise, its share of global annual emissions could grow from 3% at present to 20% by 2050, according to a new analysis from Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
Transport Secretary rejects calls to oppose Heathrow Airport expansion on climate grounds
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has stated that the Government will continue to support a third runway at Heathrow Airport, arguing that it would "not be appropriate" to review airport planning rules over climate concerns.
Milestones for hydrogen aircraft and glass production projects in the UK
One of the world's first large-scale demonstrations of 100% hydrogen firing for glass production has concluded in Liverpool, in the same week that ZeroAvia inked a new deal to support its hydrogen plane trials in the Cotswolds.
Maersk inks deal for low-carbon shipping fuel as Virgin Atlantic confirms support for direct air CO2 capture
Danish shipping giant AP Moller-Maersk has inked a deal for 'green' e-methanol, while Virgin Atlantic has signed on to purchase carbon credits from a new direct air carbon capture facility.
Newcastle International Airport unveils plans for solar farm as part of net-zero vision
Newcastle International Airport has launched a consultation on plans for an onsite solar farm, after stating its intention to achieve net-zero operational emissions by 2035.
DHL Express orders 12 fully electric cargo planes
Deutsche Post subsidiary DHL Express has placed an order for 12 all-electric cargo planes and is expecting them to be delivered in 2024.
Lloyd's outlines plans to increase green investments but stops short of full Paris Agreement alignment
Insurance and investment giant Lloyd's of London has published a new climate action roadmap, detailing plans to increase support for low-carbon transport, energy and industrial technologies.
UK Government mulls sustainable aviation fuel mandate as £15m pledged for waste-to-jet-fuel plants
After the publication of the Transport Decarbonisation Plan earlier this month, the UK Government has begun consulting on introducing sustainability requirements for jet fuel producers from 2025.
At a glance: Everything you need to know about the UK’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan
The UK Government has unveiled its domestic plan designed to align the transport sector with the national net-zero target. Here, edie pulls out what this means for all modes of transport moving forward.
Transport Decarbonisation Plan: UK Government to ban new petrol and diesel truck sales by 2040
The UK Government has unveiled its much-anticipated Transport Decarbonisation Plan, designed to align all modes of domestic transport with the national net-zero target.
Nissan's Gigafactory and REN's plastic-free samples: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
Rolls-Royce and Shell agree on new partnership on sustainable aviation fuels
Rolls-Royce and Shell have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to help build towards their respective net-zero targets by developing and scaling Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) for the sector.
Green campaigners slam Bristol Airport's new carbon-neutral and net-zero targets
Bristol Airport has unveiled plans to reach net-zero by 2030, but green groups are accusing the business of greenwashing, as emissions from flights will not be covered.
UK aviation sector sets interim climate goals on road to net-zero by 2050, but won't cap growth
A coalition representing the UK's major airports, airlines and plane manufacturers has, after publishing a controversial plan for reaching net-zero by 2050 last year, announced new interim climate goals and pledged to refresh its approach to low-carbon technologies.
Gatwick plots path to net-zero before 2040
Gatwick Airport believes it can reduce its Scope 1 (operations) and Scope 2 (power-related) emissions by 80% by 2030, against a 1990 baseline, as it works to deliver net-zero in these areas before 2040.
Electric aircraft and alternative fuels: Rolls-Royce plots path to net-zero by 2050
Rolls-Royce has outlined plans to overhaul its R&D spending and product offerings in a bid to reach net-zero operations by 2030 and net-zero across the whole business value chain by 2050.
Airlines accused of lobbying against stronger EU climate policy
Aviation giants including British Airways' parent company International Airlines Group (IAG) and Ryanair have been accused of opposing proposals for stronger climate policy in the European Union (EU), as the bloc works towards a 2050 net-zero target.
UPS aims to become carbon neutral by 2050
Logistics giant UPS has unveiled new environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets that will see the company strive to become carbon neutral across its global operations by 2050.
Heathrow Airport adds sustainable aviation fuels to decarbonise flights
Heathrow has incorporated aviation fuel made from waste oils and fats for the first time, as the UK's largest airport seeks to establish proof of concept for the widescale use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) in a bid to reduce emissions from flights.
Cathay Pacific sets global net-zero target for 2050
Major international airline Cathay Pacific Group has set a 2050 net-zero target and unveiled a three-pronged delivery strategy, based on energy efficiency, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and offsetting.
VistaJet targets carbon neutrality by 2025 as British Airways owner ups sustainable aviation fuel
Private flight firm VistaJet has committed to reaching carbon neutrality by 2025, by reducing emissions and then offsetting, in the same week that International Airlines Group (IAG) set new sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) targets.
Boeing, Netflix and Microsoft among founders of new business alliance on sustainable aviation fuels
A new alliance to help scale sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) by increasing and unifying corporate demand has been backed by a string of big-name businesses, including Boeing, Deloitte, Microsoft and JP Morgan Chase.
Most UK business travellers to fly less after lockdown, survey reveals
A survey of more than 1,400 frequent business travellers in Europe has found that UK-based professionals, in particular, are planning to fly less once Covid-19 restrictions lift.
UK records lowest power grid carbon intensity
On Easter Monday, the UK recorded its lowest level of carbon intensity for electricity use, the National Grid ESO has confirmed.
Covid-19 sees carbon emissions fall 10% in 2020 as UK nears half-way mark to net-zero
The impacts of the coronavirus pandemic delivered an estimated 10.7% reduction in carbon emissions in 2020, with total greenhouse gas emissions almost 50% lower than they were in 1990, the baseline year for the UK's net-zero target.
FedEx commits to carbon-neutral global operations by 2040
FedEx has pledged to transition to carbon-neutral operations globally by 2040, earmarking new finance for electric vehicles, more sustainable aircraft and carbon sequestration.
Government urged to block Leeds Bradford Airport expansion on climate grounds
Environmental groups are urging the UK Government to halt a proposed expansion of Leeds Bradford Airport, on the grounds that it is incompatible with the 2050 net-zero target.
Heathrow secures Government funding to develop net-zero aviation roadmap
Heathrow Airport has secured Government funding for a project dedicated to developing a blueprint for delivering a net-zero UK aviation sector, by or ahead of the national 2050 deadline.
UK oil major backs new waste-to-jet-fuel plant
Essar Oil UK Limited, which produces more than 16% of the UK's transport fuels, has announced a new joint project to bring a waste-to-jet-fuel plant online near Liverpool.
Government unveils £85m package to support low-carbon aviation innovations
Projects developing hydrogen and fully electrified aircraft have secured multi-million-pound funding pots from the UK Government, in the hopes of the nation hosting zero-emission flights by 2023.
Mission Possible Partnership: Hundreds of transport and industrial businesses form climate coalition
Some 400 heavy emitters from the transport and industrial sectors have formed a new collaborative partnership aimed at accelerating the low-carbon transition, with financial backing from Amazon's Jeff Bezos.
Boeing planning to debut 100% biofuel planes by 2030
Boeing Co has unveiled plans to deliver commercial aircraft capable of using 100% biofuel by 2030. Using existing technologies under current regulations, it can only use biofuel blends of up to 50%.
Horizon scanning: Eight green innovations set to shake-up sustainability in 2021
Over the past 12 months, countless innovations which could help businesses and nations deliver a green recovery. Here, edie rounds up nine key products and concepts that could transform sustainability in 2021.
Heathrow Airport: Supreme Court gives go-ahead for third runway, despite climate campaigns
The Supreme Court has decided to allow the Heathrow Airport expansion, despite the fact that the Court of Appeal ruled it unlawful on climate grounds earlier this year.
Shipping, aviation and carmakers failing to align with Paris Agreement
The majority of the worlds largest automotive, shipping and aviation companies are failing to deliver emissions reduction plans in line with a pathway to keep global warming to 2°C - let alone 1.5C - new research has found.
Boris Johnson unveils £12bn Ten Point Plan for net-zero transition
Clean hydrogen, carbon capture and storage (CCS), zero-carbon transport and offshore wind are all key pillars of Boris Johnson's Ten Point Plan to push the UK towards net-zero emissions, which will be backed by £12bn in Government investment and aim to create 250,000 new green jobs.
Aviation sector spells out plans to be at heart of UK's green recovery
The chief executives from some of the largest organisations in the aviation sector have called on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to deliver legislative and financial support to create a sustainable aviation fuels industry that would help the sector reach net-zero emissions and assist with a national green recovery.
EU bank mulls ban on cash for airport expansions
The European Investment Bank (EIB) could withdraw support for new airports, according to a draft climate roadmap seen by EURACTIV. However, the bank is set to keep funding motorways, as well as approving investments under the old rules until 2022.
Businesses and green groups call for Government to set out 'negative emissions' policy framework
The National Farmers Union (NFU), Heathrow Airport and the Renewable Energy Association (REA) are amongst the organisations that have formed the Coalition for Negative Emissions, which is this week calling on the UK Government to set an "unambiguous commitment" to carbon capture and negative emissions.
How are manufacturers approaching net-zero and the green recovery?
The manufacturing sector has a rich history of innovating to overcome persistent challenges. But the twin disruptions of the net-zero transition and the Covid-19 pandemic have made the sector's green efforts paramount to business prosperity. Here, edie explores how manufacturers are navigating these challenges.
World's first commercial-grade hydrogen plane takes flight in UK, as government urged to grow 'green' hydrogen sector
The first flight of a hydrogen-powered, commercial-grade aircraft has been successfully completed in Bedford, while UK ministers face fresh calls to help scale up the domestic market for hydrogen produced using renewables.
Airbus unveils plans to debut zero-emission hydrogen planes by 2035
Aerospace manufacturing giant Airbus has revealed three futuristic concept designs for zero-emission aircraft with hydrogen as the primary power source, claiming that they could operate commercial flights by 2035.
13 major airlines commit to joint 2050 net-zero vision
British Airways, Qantas and American Airlines are among the 13 major airlines to have signed a new joint commitment to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
Choice and information: UK citizens' assembly outlines policy and lifestyle overhauls for net-zero transition
The first UK-wide citizens' assembly on climate change, Climate Assembly UK, has issued a list of recommendations as to how travel, diets, power generation and building use can be revamped to help society transition to net-emissions by 2050.
KLM's biofuel advertisements were greenwashing, regulator rules
Dutch airline KLM has been ordered to change one of its advertising campaigns after it was found to have over-emphasised the firm's use of biofuel.
Boris Johnson outlines £750m green spending for heavy industry and aviation
Boris Johnson has unveiled a £350m funding pot for technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen alongside a £400m sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) pledge, to be spent as part of the UK's Covid-19 recovery effort.
Investment to decarbonise aviation must be 'supercharged' in Covid-19 recovery plans, MPs urge
"Supercharging" investment in decarbonising the UK's aviation sector would provide a "golden opportunity" in the economic recovery from the Covid-19 crisis, a coalition of 35 cross-party MPs have told the Treasury.
Amazon starts sourcing bio-jet fuel in drive to slash air cargo emissions
Amazon's air cargo arm has signed a deal to source six million gallons of bio-based sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), as the e-commerce giant works towards its 2040 net-zero target.
CORSIA: UN agrees to airlines' Covid-19 pleas on offsetting scheme
The UN's International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has agreed to change some facets its global carbon offsetting scheme, after airlines requested more leeway to weather the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
Ford's net-zero target and renewable energy records: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
Jet Zero Council: Government unveils new collaborative initiative to decarbonise aviation
The UK Government is developing a 'Jet Zero Council' - a coalition of Ministers, businesses, trade bodies and environmental groups who will collaboratively work to align the aviation sector with the 2050 net-zero target.
What role will hydrogen play in green Covid-19 recovery plans?
Plans for major hydrogen facilities in Norway and the Isle of Wight have been unveiled this week, as business giants, banks and green campaigners call on world leaders to include hydrogen investment in their Covid-19 recovery plans.
Luton Airport to become 'most sustainable airport' by 2040
London Luton Airport has revealed an intention to become the UK's "most sustainable airport" by 2040, claiming that a planned expansion can be delivered in line with the ambitions of the Paris Agreement.
Rolls-Royce commits to net-zero carbon operations by 2030
Manufacturing giant Rolls-Royce has announced an intention to become a net-zero carbon business by 2030, alongside a wider ambition to enable sectors it sells to in becoming net-zero by 2050.
EU urged not to mess with UN aviation rules
Leading MEPs have asked the European Commission and Council not to seek changes to the UN's global aviation scheme, which is aimed at making the industry carbon neutral. Airlines have requested more leeway to ride out the coronavirus outbreak slump.
UK proposes national Emissions Trading System to replace EU carbon market
The UK Government has published new proposals on its individual UK-wide Emissions Trading System (ETS) that would replace the EU's carbon trading variant.
Electric flights and Barilla's recyclable packaging: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
Copenhagen Airport spearheads green hydrogen project for transport fuel
Renewable energy company Ørsted and Copenhagen Airport are amongst the consortium of businesses aiming to develop a hydrogen and sustainable transport fuel facility in the heart of the Danish capital.
Planning application for UK's first waste-to-jet fuel plant given green light
A planning application backed by Shell and British Airways to create the UK's first commercial-scale waste-to-jet fuel plant in North East Lincolnshire has been granted planning permission.
Jonathon Porritt: Corporate advocacy must be cornerstone of coronavirus recovery
EXCLUSIVE: Business leaders must use the Covid-19 recovery process as an opportunity to promote the benefits of deep decarbonisation, and to rebuild an economy based on strong social and environmental values, Forum for the Future’s founder-director Jonathon Porritt has told edie.
Business leaders call for recovery packages to be tied to net-zero corporate targets
The chief executives from 40 global organisations including BP, Heathrow Airport, Shell and HSBC, have called on governments to focus economic recovery packages in ways that enable sectors and businesses to transition to low-carbon and resilient models of operation.
Google's green software and New York's innovation drive: The sustainability success stories of the week
As part of our Mission Possible campaign, edie brings you this weekly round-up of five of the best sustainability success stories of the week from across the globe.
Coronavirus: Airlines seek €12.8bn in bailouts without environmental conditions attached
Airlines in Europe have applied for €12.8bn (£11.3bn) government support since the start of the coronavirus pandemic with no binding environmental conditions attached, according to an analysis of the sector's bailout pleas.
Airlines, automakers and fossil fuel firms blasted as 'coronavirus climate profiteers'
A new report has blasted the lobbying efforts of the airline, automaker, fossil fuel and logging industries, claiming that organisations are attempting to benefit from billion-pound bailouts in response to the coronavirus that enables them to carry on with climate-wrecking business practices.
Content comes at a cost: Reducing the harm of our video habits on the planet
When watching a TV show or a movie online, the environmental cost of our appetite for content is probably the last thing on our minds.
Carbon emissions from fossil fuels could fall by 2.5bn tonnes in 2020
Global carbon emissions from the fossil fuel industry could fall by a record 2.5bn tonnes this year, a reduction of 5%, as the coronavirus pandemic triggers the biggest drop in demand for fossil fuels on record.
UK Government urged to launch 'office for carbon removal' in crackdown on offsetting greenwash
The UK Government should open a national 'office for carbon removal' in order to verify that carbon offsets purchased by businesses in the drive for compliance with its net-zero target have a tangible climate impact.
Link airline coronavirus rescue package to climate targets, campaigners urge
Campaigning groups have called for any Government bailout of airline companies due to the impact of the coronavirus to include conditional links for worker rights, fair taxing systems and transparent action plans on climate change.
UN tightens carbon offsetting rules for aviation sector
The UN's International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) will introduce stricter rules on carbon offsetting for airlines next year, in a bid to reduce greenwashing and ensure robust carbon accounting.
Government won't appeal Heathrow expansion court decision
UPDATED: The UK Government will not appeal a court decision to block the development of a third runway at Heathrow Airport, which was issued in response to climate change concerns and national targets aligned to the Paris Agreement.
Heathrow commits to becoming zero-carbon airport by mid-2030s
Heathrow Airport has announced its intention to become a zero-carbon airport by the mid-2030s, after reaching carbon-neutral status for its buildings and infrastructure today (21 February).
Hubbub targets stag and hen dos to lower UK flying climate impacts
Environmental charity Hubbub has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of the impacts of flying, after research commissioned by the group found that almost half of all flights taken by men aged 20-45 and a third of flights from women in the same age group were for stag and hen dos.
Delta Air Lines commits $1bn to become carbon neutral
US-based Delta Air Lines has committed $1bn over the next decade to mitigate emissions from its business to become carbon neutral, with the company pledging to minimise its reliance on the carbon offset market.
EU starts to chart shipping's new green course
The shipping industry will soon have to pay for its environmental impact in the EU, as both the European Commission and Parliament are moving forward with plans to include vessels in the bloc's flagship carbon market. But there are choppy waters ahead.
Plan to expand Bristol airport rejected after climate protests
A scheme to expand Bristol airport has been rejected following protests that it would exacerbate the climate emergency, damage the health of local people, and harm flora and fauna.
Ryanair: 'We're reviewing everything around environmental sustainability'
EXCLUSIVE: Amid increasing pressure from the general public, policymakers and investors, Ryanair's first director of sustainability has said the airline is reviewing its environmental targets and processes.
UK aviation launches net-zero commitment for 2050, but won't cap growth
Key members of the UK aviation industry, including Boeing, Virgin Atlantic and London City Airport are among a coalition that has pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in the sector by 2050, to assist with the UK's overall net-zero strategy.
Accelerating aviation’s carbon reduction journey
The role of offsetting within the aviation industry, how it will help achieve carbon-neutral growth and how businesses and individuals can take part.
Heathrow Airport launches flight offsetting tool for passengers
Passengers on flights to and from Heathrow Airport now have the option to offset the emissions of their journeys, after Heathrow.com announced a new partnership with the CHOOOSE 'climate streaming service' offsetting platform.
Green groups slam Government proposals to cut air passenger duty amid FlyBe rescue plans
Green groups have criticised Ministers for considering measures to cut air passenger duty on domestic return flights, accusing the government of placing short-term plans to rescue FlyBe from collapse over its long-term climate targets.
Hi Fly goes plastic-free on all flights
Portuguese wet-lease airline Hi Fly has removed all single-use plastic items from its fleet of aircraft, after successful pilots of plastic-free flights in 2018.
British Airways begins offsetting domestic flight emissions in first step towards net-zero
British Airways has begun offsetting all emissions generated through domestic flights within the UK, at no additional cost to passengers.
London Stansted Airport trials compostable security bags
London Stansted Airport has begun trialling security bags that purport to be compostable as an alternative to the traditional oil-based plastic kind.
Food-to-go giants support Dubai Airport's ban on single-use plastics
A string of big-name food-to-go brands including McDonalds, Costa Coffee and Pret A Manger have unveiled plastic-free offerings to be piloted at Dubai Airport next month, as part of the airport's commitment to eliminate single-use plastics.
Report: One in three transport companies aligning with Paris Agreement as investor pressure mounts
A survey of 57 of the world's largest transport companies, including airlines and carmakers, has found that more than one in three (35%) have set emissions targets in line with the Paris Agreement.
EasyJet to offset all flight emissions, pushes for electric aircraft vision
EasyJet has become the first airline to operate net-zero flights, after agreeing to offset all emissions from fuel starting today (19 November) and will continue to work on rolling out electric aircraft in the future.
From plastics to rewilding: How Eurostar is gaining a competitive edge in the era of eco-travel
EXCLUSIVE: With flight shaming placing the profitability of the aviation sector at risk, international high-speed rail service Eurostar believes a legacy of action on carbon, plastics and now rewilding will help build customer trust.
Qantas to double flight offsets as part of net-zero 2050 commitment
Australian airline group Qantas will invest $50m in sustainable fuel over the next decade and offset growth in emissions from international and domestic flights in order to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
Birmingham Airport sets net-zero carbon target for 2033
Birmingham Airport has set a commitment to become a net-zero carbon airport by 2033, noting that it has a "big opportunity" to reduce emissions via onsite renewable generation and would also minimise the use of carbon offsets.
Treasury's net-zero minister: Climate action will be a 'signature theme' of next government
Speaking exclusively to edie following the launch of its Net-Zero Review, HM Treasury minister Simon Clarke outlines the Government's plans to deliver on the legislation to reduce the UK's emissions to net-zero by 2050.
Territorial emissions: ONS data shows 35-year difference in UK peak emissions
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has found that the UK's emissions peaked in 2007, rather than 1972, if territorial emissions from imports abroad were taken into account.
UK airline industry calls on Government to spur sector to net-zero
The industry body for UK airlines believes that a renewed partnership with the Government can help the sector achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, as long as investment opportunities into green technologies are created.
