Johnson’s ‘jet zero’ plan unrealistic and may make UK miss CO2 targets – report

The UK government's plan to eliminate carbon emissions from aviation relies on technology that isn't proven and fuel that isn't sustainable.

According to a study done for the government and the climate change committee in the past, ministers should work to reduce the number of flights and stop airport expansion over the next few years.

The report was commissioned by the Aviation Environment Federation and comes as five regional airports are in the process of seeking approval to expand.

Major applications will be submitted later this year by both Gatwick and Luton, as well as the plans for a third runway by Heathrow.

The government's plan was found to be sitting back and allowing both airports and emissions to grow in the short term while hoping for future technologies and fuels to save the day.

The expansion plans will generate millions of tonnes of additional CO 2 each year.

Two years ago, the government launched its jet zero initiative, which is part of a raft of policies that aim to get the UK to net zero emissions by the year 2050.

Boris Johnson claimed that a commercial flight that produces no carbon emissions by 2025, was a goal that was widely dismissed by experts.

It is unclear how the Department for Transport will deliver the technological improvements it is relying on in terms of sustainable fuel and aircraft efficiency, according to the report.

It concluded that the ministers should aim to reduce the number of flights now that they have been found.

There is a need for action now to ensure that aviation makes a fair contribution to cutting emissions by 2035 and is on a path to net zero by the year 2050.

The DFT didn't reply to the request for comment.