Airlines urged to provide carbon offsetting

More airlines and travel firms should consider offering carbon offsetting options to their customers, according to one expert.

With the issue of climate change now very much in the public eye, the role of the aviation industry in tackling carbon emissions has also been highlighted in recent times.

Michael Buick, spokesperson for offsetting organisation Climate Care, said that it is unrealistic to expect people to reduce their air travel and that passengers should instead be able to offset their carbon emissions whenever they fly.

"The fact is people should reduce their carbon emissions as much as possible; each one of us has a responsibility to do what we can to reduce our impact," he commented.

He added that offsetting holds an "essential" role in the fight against global warming as there will always be carbon that cannot be eradicated and people who are willing to do more to tackle climate change than others.

Carbon offsetting can also be used against emissions from the home and other forms of transport, such as cars.

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