While some airlines are complaining about environmental directives for air travel, Qantas and its budget carrier Jetstar are actually doing something about it. On Wednesday, the two airlines launched a scheme that allows passengers to offset their CO2 emissions. No, passengers don't hold their collective breath for the entirety of the flight; this offset is monetary. For example, the Associated Press reports that a flight from Australia to Los Angeles generates around 1.4 tons of greenhouse gases per passenger, which the airline says can be offset by paying just 17 Australian dollars ($14.50; 10.46 euros) per flight. The money is then donated to a "variety of environmental projects," like government-approved carbon dioxide abatement schemes.

Critics argue that carbon offset programs don't have a major impact on CO2 emissions. But at least it's a step in the right direction. Would you buy carbon dioxide credits?

Filed under: Oceania, Australia, Airlines, Transportation, Ecotourism, Budget Travel