With the launch of the Carbon Offset Program, Jetstar aims to do its bit for the environment

Will McMartin, 8 years old, NSW WORDS ANNE LOH

Aviation is a small contributor to greenhouse gases (2%) at the moment, accordinng to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, but it’s forecasting that this will rise to 3% by 2050 because of increased air travel. So it was with some pride that Jetstar launched a new environmental program to combat climate change last month.

William Hamilton, 8 years old, NSWTo kick off the program, a competition was run for children between the ages of 3 and 12 to create a logo for the initiative. The instructions were to draw what “they would want the environment to look like when they grow up”, and the prize for the winning design was an AU$18,000 travel package for four people to visit five of Australia’s World Heritage sites: the Sydney Opera House, Kakadu National Park, the Tasmanian Wilderness, the Great Barrier Reef and Fraser Island. With such a fabulous prize, not surprisingly entries from children across Australia were received.

Jenna Short, 11 years old, NSW The Carbon Offset Program aims to offer Jetstar passengers a chance to work hand-in-hand with the airline to help reduce the impact of greenhouse gas emissions. Simply visit jetstar.com and select the “include Carbon Offset” icon during the booking process. If you’re using a credit card to book your flights and carbon-offset at the same time, there’ll be no additional transaction fee. All contributions will be directed towards the Australian Greenhouse Office-approved Greenhouse Friendly™ abatement projects. The projects include waste diversion and recycling, renewable energy generation and deforestation-avoidance.

Jetstar launched the program on 19th September by participating in the Qantas Groups “Fly Carbon Neutral” day, on which all carbon emissions for every international and domestic flight were offset for a single day.

Abigail Kusch, 11 years old, NSWMoving forward, Jetstar will be purchasing carbon offsets for all their staff’s business travel. They’re also actively monitoring their environmental impact – currently operating a fleet of fuel-efficient A320 and A330 aircraft, they’re looking into investing in new aircraft with the latest technology and even better fuel economy. The B787, which the company takes delivery of in August 2008, promises to save on fuel consumption by 20% compared to similar-sized aircraft!

The Carbon Offset Program is entirely voluntary, but participating is a great, easy way to do your bit for the environment and fight climate change.