Philippine Airlines said it tapped a UN-awarded scientist to help attain its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The airline unit of tycoon Lucio Tan said it tapped the services of climate scientist and science diplomat Glenn Banaguas to help guide the company’s efforts to reduce carbon footprint.
“Our Net Zero initiative comes at a crucial time for the international aviation industry, which is seeking to further lessen its environmental impact in response to the global scientific community’s clarion call against irreversible climate change,” PAL president and chief operating officer Capt. Stanley Ng said.
“Being the country’s flag carrier and Asia’s first airline, we recognize that our essential role in bridging our country and the rest of the world goes hand in hand with the need for climate action across international borders,” Ng said.
PAL’s Net Zero goal will be holistic and comprehensive, covering both flight and ground operations. PAL began the process by shifting to renewable energy for the electricity supply of its major offices and working on the potential use of sustainable aviation fuel to power its fleet of high-technology aircraft.
PAL said that with Banaguas providing expert guidance, it would conduct comprehensive assessments of its overall greenhouse gas emissions and move towards full decarbonization.
PAL seeks to develop a roadmap for its own Net Zero Emissions strategy; develop and integrate emissions scenarios projected until the year 2050 using internationally accepted models and relevant standards; and develop and recommend science- and evidence-based targets as well as gender-based programs for the entire PAL community.
“PAL’s commitment to climate action is a great service to the country and to the world. More than just a rallying call, it is a reminder of our shared responsibility for, and stewardship of, the environment,” Banaguas said.
The Philippine flag carrier is investing in an all-out carbon reduction program as part of a multi-year commitment to combat the worldwide scourge of climate change.
Greenhouse gas emissions from aviation could increase by a factor of two to four times 2015 levels by 2050, according to United Nation’s International Civil Aviation Organization.
Aviation makes up more than 2 percent of all global CO2 emissions: around 1.3 percent from international and 0.7 percent from domestic flights.