Convention bureau leads the way in efforts to reduce effects of carbon dioxide

A general view of Royal Dutch Airways (KLM) aircraft at Schiphol airport near Amsterdam. The airline’s carbon offsetting programme has contributed to reforestation efforts in Africa. — EPA

Last year, the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) noted that commercial aircraft produced about 700 million tonnes of carbon dioxide, representing about 2% of CO2 produced from all human activities.

The Geneva-based not-for-profit association that represents all sectors of the air transport industry also said that 80% of the CO2 produced from aviation came from flights over 1,500km where there is no practical alternative mode of transport.