ATLANTA — Delta announced a $1 billion investment Friday to be spread across the next 10 years in an emissions reduction effort with a goal of eventually being carbon neutral.
The airline says it will begin its efforts starting March 1. It did not lay out a specific timeline for reaching "carbon neutral" status.
Delta says it will invest in "driving innovation, advancing clean air travel technologies, accelerating the reduction of carbon emissions and waste, and establishing new projects to mitigate the balance of emissions."
According to the company, the aviation industry accounts for about 2 percent of global carbon emissions annually.
Delta says it will strive for carbon neutrality through reducing its use of jet fuel and increasing efficiency with a "fleet renewal program, improved flight operations, weight reduction and increased development and use of sustainable fuels." The company also said it would invest in new technologies aimed at carbon removal and environmental restoration projects.
“There’s no challenge we face that is in greater need of innovation than environmental sustainability, and we know there is no single solution. We are digging deep into the issues, examining every corner of our business, engaging experts, building coalitions, fostering partnerships and driving innovation,” Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in a release.
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