Airlines urged to step up carbon offsetting

British airlines need to do more to help passengers offset carbon emitted during flights, according to a new report.

The publication from the Environmental Audit Committee calls for more carriers to offer comprehensive carbon offsetting schemes as awareness of climate change increases among the public.

Committee chairman Tim Yeo told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that airlines have a "duty" to make such facilities available to their customers when they purchase a ticket.

"I must emphasise the top priority for everyone both at home and at work is to try and cut carbon emissions, but there are some activities such as long-haul flights which may have to be undertaken and which inevitably do cause carbon emissions," he commented.

Carbon offsetting can currently be carried out by air travellers independent of their airline by going through organisations such as Treeflights and Climate Care.

The process generally involves making a donation that is sufficient to help a charity or project negate the effect of carbon emissions from the donor's flight.

• Less than a week until Esta launch
• 'Spectacular events' in Italy
• Europe 'to remain popular for skiing holidays'
• US connecting flights proving popular at Bristol Airport
• Record year for London City Airport
• Virgin Atlantic to celebrate 25th year
• Long haul trips 'offer best value this year'
• Budget travellers offered holiday guide
• Record passenger growth for Etihad in 2008
• Spain top for Scots in 2009