Acknowledging that the aviation industry accounts for roughly 2% of global carbon dioxide emissions, Delta Airlines has pledged to invest $1 billion and achieve carbon-neutral growth from 2020, even though air travel is expected to continue to increase.
According to Ed Bastian, Delta’s chief executive, “There’s no challenge we face that is in greater need of innovation than environmental sustainability, and we know there is no single solution.”
Delta has already begun steps to reduce its carbon impact on the environment including everything from investment in biofuels to eliminating single-use plastics.
For example, Delta previously pledged to cap its greenhouse gas emissions at 2012 levels even with 20% growth, by purchasing carbon offsets.
Delta will be working to become the first carbon-neutral airline coupled with funding research to advance clean air technologies and decrease carbon emissions.