Menu
25/07/2005
Government encourages 'green holidaymaking'
The government is urging holidaymakers to consider 'carbon offsetting' as a way of reducing the environmental impact of their holiday travel.
Carbon dioxide emissions from aeroplanes are an increasing factor to climate change. Carbon offsetting enables airline passengers to donate money to schemes, which reduce carbon emissions either in this country or overseas.
Environment Minister Elliot Morley said: "Flying has a significant environmental impact because of the distances covered and the amount of CO2 emitted; there is also much scientific opinion which believes that emitting these gases at high altitude increases the climate change impact. For example, a return transatlantic flight can produce up to two tonnes of carbon dioxide per passenger.
"I would ask travellers to consider whether, in addition to enjoying their holidays, they counter some of the environmental damage by subscribing to one of the offset schemes available.
"It's relatively cheap, for example, to offset the climate change impact of a flight to the Mediterranean, which only costs around £5 to offset."
The UK is offsetting the carbon dioxide emissions arising from the G8 summit and Whitehall departments will be offsetting their air flights from next April.
The inclusion of aviation emissions within the EU-Emissions Trading Scheme is a priority for the UK presidency of the EU.
Offsetting schemes are available from several companies including Climate Care at www.climatecare.org and Future Forests at www.futureforests.com.
(KMcA/SP)
Carbon dioxide emissions from aeroplanes are an increasing factor to climate change. Carbon offsetting enables airline passengers to donate money to schemes, which reduce carbon emissions either in this country or overseas.
Environment Minister Elliot Morley said: "Flying has a significant environmental impact because of the distances covered and the amount of CO2 emitted; there is also much scientific opinion which believes that emitting these gases at high altitude increases the climate change impact. For example, a return transatlantic flight can produce up to two tonnes of carbon dioxide per passenger.
"I would ask travellers to consider whether, in addition to enjoying their holidays, they counter some of the environmental damage by subscribing to one of the offset schemes available.
"It's relatively cheap, for example, to offset the climate change impact of a flight to the Mediterranean, which only costs around £5 to offset."
The UK is offsetting the carbon dioxide emissions arising from the G8 summit and Whitehall departments will be offsetting their air flights from next April.
The inclusion of aviation emissions within the EU-Emissions Trading Scheme is a priority for the UK presidency of the EU.
Offsetting schemes are available from several companies including Climate Care at www.climatecare.org and Future Forests at www.futureforests.com.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 January 2007
Carbon scheme standards to be set in UK
The government is to tackle the lack of clear standards for carbon offsetting schemes. With an increasing number of people offsetting their carbon emissions the government is seeking greater clarity by the development of a voluntary standard for offsetting.
Carbon scheme standards to be set in UK
The government is to tackle the lack of clear standards for carbon offsetting schemes. With an increasing number of people offsetting their carbon emissions the government is seeking greater clarity by the development of a voluntary standard for offsetting.
09 March 2011
Carbon Action Plan Lays Down Whitehall Deadlines
A cross-Government action plan on climate change backed by the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister has been launched setting strict actions and deadlines for Whitehall.
Carbon Action Plan Lays Down Whitehall Deadlines
A cross-Government action plan on climate change backed by the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister has been launched setting strict actions and deadlines for Whitehall.
16 March 2011
£10m Funding For Three Low Carbon Vehicle R&D Projects
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is providing £10 million for three major projects to address fundamental research questions in developing low carbon vehicles, Business Minister Mark Prisk has announced.
£10m Funding For Three Low Carbon Vehicle R&D Projects
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) is providing £10 million for three major projects to address fundamental research questions in developing low carbon vehicles, Business Minister Mark Prisk has announced.
18 November 2010
Health At The Heart Of Climate Change Agenda
Several leading medical journals have come together to urge health professionals everywhere to put health at the heart of climate change negotiations.
Health At The Heart Of Climate Change Agenda
Several leading medical journals have come together to urge health professionals everywhere to put health at the heart of climate change negotiations.
05 July 2010
England's Buses Turn Green
Over 150 new low carbon buses will join fleets throughout England saving around 50,000 tonnes of CO2 thanks to £15m of additional Government funding, Transport Minister Norman Baker announced today. The funding is intended to put low carbon buses within the reach of as many operators and local authorities as possible throughout England.
England's Buses Turn Green
Over 150 new low carbon buses will join fleets throughout England saving around 50,000 tonnes of CO2 thanks to £15m of additional Government funding, Transport Minister Norman Baker announced today. The funding is intended to put low carbon buses within the reach of as many operators and local authorities as possible throughout England.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
