Net zero by 2050 for Qantas

by Natasha Wensley

 

In pursuit of United Nation SDG 12, Australian airline Qantas committed to net zero emissions by 2050. While their broader sustainable development plan has included notable US$200M investments in sustainable aviation fuels, the implementation of a carbon offset program, a fleet enhancement program, and improved waste reduction, sceptics continue to criticise the airline's role in the global climate crisis.  

 

The underlying understanding that companies exist to maximise shareholders wealth is the most damaging argument to companies claim of sustainable production. Research does exist to support the proposition that companies associated with claims of ESG have been experiencing disproportionate growth 1.7 percentage points above their competitors, perhaps incentivising investment in these programs. However, the Board of major ASX listed entities have proven slow to implement real change, often being called out for “greenwashing” with “vague and unqualified claims” supported by a “lack of substantiating information”. 

 

Such distrust is perpetuated by the media. Extensive media coverage of the dramatic $2.5million fine received by Coles in 2023 need not have involved every sustainable claiming company to have directly affected their public perception – if Coles’ claims to sustainable production cannot be trusted then why should that of any other company? As such, this ongoing media scrutiny continues to impact the public's trust in Qantas’ sustainable practices. Publications contained in both the AFR and Guardian encourage readers to question whether their sustainability programs, notably the third-party led carbon credit scheme, are being executed with sufficient due diligence. 

 

The ethical decision making frameworks and guidance provided by the Australian Institute of Company Directors may be comprehensive but the publication of these reports means little to the Australian people. The tension between the publications and the distrust they represent creates the neutrality around ethical practices that is represented in the Australian public today.