Examining Carbon Management and Net-Zero Carbon Goals in the Aviation Industry, Through the Qantas Group

Abstract

Carbon management strategies are crucial for businesses to decrease their contribution to climate change. The aviation industry currently contributes 2% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. As part of the aviation industry, Qantas Group has enacted ambitious carbon management goals to reduce its carbon emissions. As of the 2020 financial year, the company’s Scope 1 emissions are 1,919,212 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions (t CO2-e) and its Scope 2 emissions are 4,642 t CO2-e. The company has reduced its emissions through strategies, such as carbon offsetting, sustainable fuel investment, increasing fuel efficiency and reducing its landfill contribution. The Group’s carbon management goals were examined through a framework, which found these goals to be absolute, broad scoped, ambitious, and set over a long-time frame. These are reflective of providing a successful environmental performance and mitigating its climate risk. Although Qantas has made significant progress in its carbon management goals, there is still much to be improved upon and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic remain to be seen. The Group still requires extensive alterations to its practices to achieve its net-zero emissions goal.