Climate Change
Climate change is one of the most important issues facing the global community. It is creating a number of economic, social and environmental impacts and risks that together we all must work hard to reduce and to which we must adapt. We are committed to global efforts to reduce emissions.
Our emissions and reduction targets
Over 95% of the Qantas Group's global carbon footprint results from jet fuel consumed in flying operations. We are targeting a 1.5% on average improvement per annum in fuel efficiency out to 2020 (measured as litres of jet fuel/100 Revenue Tonne Kilometres). Beyond 2020, we are targeting 'carbon neutral growth' and aim to reduce net emissions by 50% by 2050 compared to 2005 levels.
We are confident these challenging goals can be achieved. Our industry has a long history of introducing cutting edge technologies to improve fuel efficiency and environmental performance. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) a 20% improvement in fuel efficiency has been achieved by the aviation industry in the past ten years alone.
Read our annual sustainability reports to learn more about our emissions footprint, as well as business risks and opportunities we face in relation to man-made climate change.
Case Studies
Australia's Great Barrier Reef - An example of a tourism market at direct risk
Millions of tourists travel to Australia each year to visit the enchanting Great Barrier Reef. Studies show that it contributes billions of dollars worth of direct international tourism revenue to the Australian economy annually as well as creating thousands of Australian jobs. Unfortunately its majesty is slowly suffering from the impacts of fertilizer, herbicide and pesticide river run-off from agricultural practices, the effects of commercial fishing and climate change. Coral bleaching events are increasing in regularity and severity. The United Nations IPCC forecasts that by 2050, based on current trends, up to 97% of the reef could bleach every year. This creates a serious risk to tourism, the regional economy and Australian jobs. Several other Australian tourism highlights are also shown to be under threat from climate change including the unique Australian ski fields and stunning Kakadu wetlands.
Seals For The Reef - Learning, educating and advocating
As part of our commitment to raising environmental awareness, in 2010 and 2011 we were the principal funder of Seals for the Reef, a leading-edge research project aimed at strengthening the science of climate change that will be used to help protect the Great Barrier Reef. Conducted in association with the CSIRO, the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and the University of Tasmania the project contributed important data to scientists while engaging the broader public through a dedicated interactive website.
Read the final project summary report.
