Fairmiles, an initiative championed by a consortium of organizations in industry and academia, is urging for science-based Net Zero guidelines that strike a delicate balance between social and economic impacts and the imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This call comes with a particular emphasis on the airfreight sector and its implications for the fresh produce industry.
In collaboration with Beanstalk.Global, Blue Skies, Air France-KLM Cargo, COLEAD, the University of Exeter, the University of Northampton, and ODI, Fairmiles is supported by a consortium of over 15 organizations representing African fresh produce businesses, the air cargo industry, academia, and the international development sector.
Fairmiles underscores the importance of aligning Net Zero policies with Climate Justice principles to ensure a fair transition to Net Zero. The fresh produce sector, employing millions and earning billions, stands as a pivotal component within Kenya’s agricultural landscape.
Fairmiles acknowledges the drive towards Net Zero emissions but introduces essential considerations in the context of airfreight, particularly concerning fresh produce from developing countries. The consortium contends that airfreighted produce is low carbon, supports sustainable development, and provides crucial access to global markets for producers, thereby aiding in poverty alleviation.
In contrast to airfreighted exports from developed countries, Fairmiles points out the higher social and economic impact of fresh produce from developing nations. The consortium emphasizes that much of this produce is transported in the existing infrastructure of scheduled passenger services from commercial airlines, contributing to a more sustainable approach.
Fairmiles advocates for a holistic approach that avoids targeting airfreighted fresh produce from developing countries, highlighting the potential harm to poor producers and workers who contribute minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions. The initiative aims to ensure that Net Zero policies align with Climate Justice principles, aligning with accepted sustainability best practices.
To further these discussions, Fairmiles is set to publish research with updated data on the impacts of airfreight. An industry roundtable, scheduled for December 15th, will provide a platform for stakeholders to engage in a dialogue on how to navigate a fair path to Net Zero.
For more information or to register for the roundtable event taking place on the 15 December, please visit https://blueskies.com/global/fairmiles/ or contact simon.derrick@blueskies.com
