The 'Jet-Zero Strategy': Does What it Says on the Can?

Carbon dioxide is the major driver of global heating and consequent climate change. In 2019, air travel generated more than 2% of all human-mediated carbon dioxide emissions. However, it's a minority 'sport', as 15% of people took 70% of all flights. A climate charity, has 'unhelpfully' pointed out that, over the past 20 years, the International aviation 'industry', has failed to achieve virtually all of its 50 climate targets (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/may/10/just-one-of-50-aviation-industry-climate-targets-met-study-finds). This failure, by airlines, to achieve their own climate targets should be unsurprising. The business model of airlines (and their linked 'industries', running airports and travel companies) is to maximise the numbers of tickets sold, whilst minimising the financial cost of moving passengers. 'Pledges' to develop 'greener fuel' and more energy-efficient aircraft are just aspirations (as well as being hopefully-effective 'greenwash'). The 'jet-zero strategy' is the UK government's 'plan' to leave airlines to reduce their emissions through self-regulation. This is going ahead in spite of there being zero evidence that passengers want to pay more for 'responsible' air travel. There is also zero evidence that any airline will boom, by restricting the numbers of flights they make. It looks like business as usual, with a predictable race to the bottom. 'Jet-zero' seems destined to achieve a zero reduction in air travel-related carbon dioxide emissions! QED.