Dan Walker defends 5 News show on climate change live from Benidorm

Dan Walker has revealed Channel 5 paid to offset his carbon emissions after he and the 5 News crew flew to Spain to film a live special about climate change.

The former BBC Breakfast star defended flying to Benidorm to host a special edition of the current affairs show, in which he asked holidaymakers whether the recent record temperatures and wildfires in Europe had made them question travelling abroad in the summer.

Walker responded to a Twitter user who questioned his "responsibility" in flying to Spain to film the show.

Read more: BBC Climate Editor Justin Rowlatt defends flying to Spain to report on heatwave

The 46-year-old journalist replied: "Actually… we paid to offset all the carbon from our flight so there will be a few trees planted after that. Thanks for asking. Here’s the certificate."

He shared a screenshot of a certificate dated 8, August 2023, presented to 5News, ITV, offsetting 1.31 MT of CO2 emissions.

One follower was still unimpressed commenting: "Sorry Dan but that is a poor response ‘as we have bought and planted some trees to offset our carbon footprint, it OK to fly’ that is making travel elitists."

Walker fired back: "Hi Steve Can I ask what you would have us do because I’m pretty sure people would moan whatever we did? Have a good one."

The TV presenter hailed the special as a success tweeting afterwards: "It’s always fun when you have no autocue for a 1 hour live programme from Benidorm about our changing holiday habits. Thanks to everyone who we spoke to & to all our guests."

Walker concluded in his report: "Attitudes are changing, we are more aware of the world around us. But there is still nothing we like more, than a well-earned break."

BBC climate editor Justin Rowlatt recently defended flying to Spain to report on the recent heatwave caused by climate change.

The journalist came under criticism for flying the 1,800-mile round trip to Murcia in Spain to present a report on BBC News, explaining the rise in temperatures across Europe was partly due to carbon emissions.

The return flight with Iberia Airlines would have produced an estimated 0.32 tonnes of carbon emissions.

Rowlatt, 57, told BBC Breakfast: "There were claims of hypocrisy that we flew there. I'm a reporter, it's my job to go and cover the big stories.

"I'm the Climate Editor of the BBC... These are difficult decisions. We do take into account carbon emissions when we make these choices - but the viewers will judge for themselves whether they think it's important.

Read more: Dan Walker hopes Holly Willoughby is 'better person' after This Morning experience

"And we, the BBC, and I certainly felt here was value added form me being there."

Watch: Dan Walker 'storms off' GMB in dig at rival Piers Morgan