Executives at the International Air Transport Association as well as leaders of several airlines are looking to reduce air travel emissions in an effort to address climate concerns as the demand for sustainability grows.
“It is kind of a new era,” Callaway Climate Insights Founder and Editor-in-Chief David Callaway explained. “Some are already saying it’s a bubble… But they’re riding high right now, and I think you will see them start to pay attention because they know that their customers are paying attention. They know their customers care about this stuff.”
In response to travelers’ growing awareness of climate issues, the International Air Transport Association committed to reaching zero emissions by 2050. The body consists of over 300 global airlines, including Delta, United, and JetBlue.
Still, the aviation industry does not pose a major environmental threat, making up just 1.8% of global emissions in 2021.
Despite its minimal impact, numerous nations have already been taking action to curb aviation-induced emissions, with France banning short hall flights between locations where a train route exists.