Johnson’s ‘jet zero’ plan unrealistic and may make UK miss CO2 targets – report

(The Guardian, 16 May 2022) Ministers instead urged to focus on reducing flights and halting airport expansion to cut carbon emissions

The UK government’s “jet zero” plan to eliminate carbon emissions from aviation relies on unproven or nonexistent technology and “sustainable” fuel, and is likely to result in ministers missing their legally binding emissions targets, according to a report.

The study from Element Energy, which has worked for the government and the climate change committee in the past, says instead of focusing on such unreliable future developments, ministers should work to reduce the overall number of flights and halt airport expansion over the next few years.

The report, released on Monday, was commissioned by the Aviation Environment Federation (AEF) and comes as five regional airports are in the process of seeking approval to expand.

In addition, Gatwick and Luton have announced they will be submitting major applications later this year, while Heathrow has not abandoned its plans for a third runway.

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The Guardian, 16 May 2022: Johnson’s ‘jet zero’ plan unrealistic and may make UK miss CO2 targets – report