Air miles schemes should be axed to ‘discourage frequent fliers’, climate experts claim – The Sun

AIR miles schemes should be axed because they encourage people to take unnecessary flights, say climate experts.

Frequent fliers should also pay progressively more, the report for ministers states.

It recommended targeting the 15 per cent who take seven in every ten flights — typically the wealthy and people travelling for work — because they clock up trips to “maintain their privileged traveller status”.

Families who take one holiday a year should not be penalised, said the Imperial College London sustainable living report for the Committee on Climate Change.

It warned the emissions from one London to New York return ticket equates to heating a typical home for a year.

It added: “Flying is a uniquely high- impact activity and the quickest and cheapest way for a consumer to increase their carbon footprint.”

The report also suggests eating less meat and cutting intercity rail ticket prices to reduce demand for cars.

Domestic travel recommendations include slashing prices on intercity rail services to reduce demand for cars and planes, and re-opening disused rail lines.

The UK is the world's first major economy to legally commit to becoming carbon neutral by 2050 after the ambitious target was recommended by the CCC.

Source: Read Full Article