Air New Zealand has appointed British ecological economist Professor Tim Jackson and leading carbon emissions policy specialist Dr Suzi Kerr to its sustainability advisory panel.
The panel provides guidance and critique as the airline works to embed sustainable growth, with the new panellists bringing further expertise in social, economic and environmental issues, Air New Zealand chief executive officer Christopher Luxon says.
“As leaders in their fields, our new appointments offer a global perspective to support our board and executive as we challenge ourselves to drive our sustainability agenda forward.
“Professor Jackson is at the forefront of research into sustainable economies, providing policy advice to numerous governments on prosperity and growth – as well as stimulating public engagement on sustainability issues as a media commentator and playwright.
“Carbon management is a significant challenge for the aviation industry so we are pleased World Bank advisor and international emissions expert Dr Suzi Kerr will share her expertise as we work toward our industry target of carbon neutral growth from 2020.”
Jackson says he looks forward to working with Air New Zealand’s sustainability panel, particularly as the airline works to strengthen its social impact programmes.
Kerr says research is fundamental to building a robust approach to carbon policy and offsetting. “Air New Zealand is encouraging stronger climate change policy and I am pleased to work alongside the airline as it explores higher quality carbon offsetting options for New Zealand.”
The panel meets in Auckland for the airline’s annual sustainability breakfast event on October 4.
Founder and director of Forum for the Future Sir Jonathon Porritt leads the panel which includes anthropologist and writer Dame Anne Salmond, The Kiwi Trust and Predator Free NZ chairman Sir Rob Fenwick, International Air Transport Association (Switzerland) chief economist Brian Pearce, Professor of Sustainable Tourism at Griffith University (Australia) Dr Susanne Becken, and Professor of Sustainable Development at the University of Surrey (UK) Dr Tim Jackson.
Previous panellists Derek Hanley and Suzanne Hunt finished their tenure on the panel earlier this year.
