Can companies really become carbon neutral, or is it just a publicity stunt?

Qantas is the latest company to say it aims to become carbon zero. The airline says that it wants to be carbon zero by 2050. 

Local companies that have made the same claim includes The Warehouse, Wellington Taxis and Sky City.

Public relations boss Deborah Pead told Andrew Dickens that what these companies will actually become net carbon neutral. Qantas' plans include capping their emissions and doubling their carbon-offsetting program. 

However, she says that more companies will make the same stand.

"They need to do it to protect their relationships with their customers." 

Pead says that climate change is a big problem with consumers, particularly young consumers, that has led to a "belief-driven consumer". 

"They make their purchases based on a company's stand or a company's ethics."

• Qantas to slash carbon emissions to zero by 2050