The BBC has been criticised over its “hypocrisy” in its decision to send a reporter on a mission around to planet to as why “despite all the green promises, we’re using more fossil fuels than ever before”.
Richard Bilton racked up an estimated 20,000 air miles in a trip across Europe, the Middle East and the United States for an episode of BBC One’s Panorama.
Speaking on GB News, Nana Akua hit out at the broadcaster’s “hypocrisy”, labelling it “absurd”.
“They shouldn’t talk about climate change and stuff like that if they do that”, she said.
Nana was questioned by broadcaster Danny Kelly, who suggested that in some cases it is appropriate to send reporters overseas.
He added the BBC could have used local camera crews, but said it would not have been the same.
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Danny Kelly defended the broadcaster
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“If the Nana Akua show went to Glasgow, and they decided you wouldn’t go up there because they’re worried about your carbon footprint, would anyone be able to replicate your show?” he asked.
She responded: “I would say for that particular show, you’re a hypocrite if you get on planes and travel around the world asking the question, why are we still using fossil fuels?”
Christine Hamilton quipped: “It’s like preaching about being a vegan or a vegetarian while eating a burger.”
Analysis by The Telegraph established an estimate number of air miles from Bilton’s trip that saw him take flights to Dubai, Alaska, California and Berlin.
They say the most conservative estimate suggests the trip would have produced around 5.4 tonnes of CO2, more than the average person produces in a year.
The broadcaster has pledged to reduce its operational greenhouse gas emissions by 46 per cent by 2030.
In the Panorama episode titled Why Are We Still Searching for Fossil Fuels, Bilton hit out at the world’s energy companies.
He addressed the flights taken in the episode, saying: “Energy companies are meeting our demand. To make this programme, I took several flights – it’s hard to fight climate change if we still use fossil fuels to drive, fly and heat our homes.”
A BBC spokesman told The Telegraph: “As a flagship current affairs programme, on occasion, some international travel is required to further investigate important stories and provide audiences with additional insight and analysis which may not be possible without on-the-ground reporting.
“We take our sustainability commitments seriously and careful consideration is made when travel is necessary for a story.”