As the world pushes toward Net Zero, it’s vital that our carbon accounting methods reflect reality—not just simplicity. At Fairmiles, we believe that science-based climate action must go hand-in-hand with social and economic fairness, especially for the communities that depend on global trade.
That’s why we’ve published a new Position Paper highlighting the urgent need to reform the way greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from airfreight are calculated. Current methods often overstate the climate impact of fresh produce flown from countries like Kenya or Ghana—especially when these goods are transported using spare space on scheduled passenger flights (known as bellyhold cargo). These emissions are frequently misrepresented, leading to calls to restrict airfreighted goods that support millions of rural jobs and use otherwise empty space on flights that would be flying anyway.
The paper draws on evidence from DEFRA, IATA, TNO, and others to show that the marginal emissions of bellyhold freight are often negligible. Yet despite this, blanket assumptions continue to dominate public policy and corporate reporting. It’s time for a more refined and fair approach—one that distinguishes between dedicated freight and co-products of existing passenger flights, and that values both environmental integrity and the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.