PAL starts sweeping carbon reduction plan

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is embarking on a complete carbon reduction program and has tapped a renowned Filipino climate scientist to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050.

PAL said its net zero goals, in line with the Paris Agreement pledge, would be “holistic and comprehensive,” covering both flight and ground operations.

It previously began the process by shifting to renewable energy for the electricity requirements of its major offices. It also plans to shift to sustainable aviation fuel for its fleet.

The flag carrier is taking the next step by hiring climate scientist and science diplomat Glenn Banaguas to help meet its targets.
Banaguas, the first individual Filipino recipient of the United Nations’ Sasakawa Award, is the president and founder of the Environmental and Climate Change Research Institute.

PAL joins other carrier-members in the International Air Transport Association that pledged to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

According to the International Civil Aviation Organization, greenhouse gas emissions from aviation could jump “by a factor of two to four times 2015 levels by 2050.”

Aviation makes up more than 2 percent of all global carbon emissions with around 1.3 percent and 0.7 percent coming from international and domestic flights, respectively.

“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,” said Stanley K. Ng, PAL president and chief operating officer.