Cebu Pacific, WWF’s Bright Skies project makes headway

Project Bright Skies, the carbon emissions offsetting advocacy of Cebu Pacific (CEB) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines), has generated P565,376 in cash donations for August 2008. The joint program started on July 19, 2008.

“We thank our passengers who have donated to the Bright Skies project because this will go a long way in our quest to create adaptation programs in the Philippines. The results are encouraging and we hope our passengers will continue to help us fight climate change,“Cebu Pacific president and CEO Lance Gokongwei said.

Carbon emitted by aviation fuel burn is a contributor to the greenhouse effect that causes climate change.

Project ‘Bright Skies’ is a program by which Cebu Pacific passengers can help affected communities adapt to the effects of climate change by offsetting the carbon emissions from their air travel through WWF donations through the Cebu Pacific website (www.cebupacificair.com).

Cebu Pacific is the only airline in the Philippines today that offers passengers an opportunity to make a donation for climate change adaptation programs. “We are taking the lead in doing this with WWF because climate change is a reality and we need to make sure that we are able to create a sustainable adaptation program in the country.” Gokongwei emphasized.

All Cebu Pacific passengers booking online have the option to give a voluntary contribution that goes to WWF’s adaptation projects in Apo Reef – Sablayan, Occidentral Mindoro.

The amount of the passengers’ voluntary contribution is pre-computed based on the estimated amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted by their flight’s actual distance. The amount of CO2 is then given a value based on international voluntary offset prices per ton of carbon dioxide. The equivalent contribution amount will then be included in the passengers’ summary of costs for credit card payment to indirectly offset carbon emission.

Carbon offsetting is a standard practice in other countries. Countries like the Philippines emit significantly less CO2 per person but are expected to receive the negative impact of climate change, which makes adaptation and preparation for potentially catastrophic effects a priority.

“By pioneering Philippine offset mechanisms, WWF and Cebu Pacific are paving the way for a more carbon-conscious society. Global warming is already affecting crucial ecosystems such as Apo Reef, where increased temperatures are causing hard coral deterioration. Every centavo we invest now will pay us back tenfold in the future,” assures WWF President David Valdes.