Britons refuse to reduce their flying habits

Less than one in five of Brits are trying to reduce their flying time to save the world and reduce carbon emissions. The research is suggesting that the government’s attempt to slash greenhouse gases from jet fuel may well be an uphill struggle. The latest news comes just a short while after the UK government said they aimed to cut CO2 emissions in half by 2050, bringing them back to levels last seen in 2005. The government’s climate advisors have also called for an aviation fuel cap on all airlines to be introduced at the climate talks in Denmark later this year.

Out of those that were asked to take part in the study, most said they would rather cut back on emissions at home than not fly for a whole 12 months. A massive 88 percent said they would cut back on home emissions, but only 26 per cent said they would if it meant they were not flying. People who recycle at home are apparently the worst offenders when it comes to offsetting their flight emissions at home.

In doing the research the company also found that only a minority of passengers are willing to pay the extra to offset their carbon footprint when flying. Most of those asked were unaware of the being able to pay this extra charge or simply not willing to pay the additional cost. This is showing that it is not environmental issues that deter people from flying, it is the cost. A rise of £50 would stop almost 80 per cent from travelling on short-haul flights and just £10 would stop a little over 20 per cent from flying.