Search for a new global aviation & climate deal

New Delhi: People have drastically curtailed their flying trips; airlines are firing staffers and enforcing pay cuts. In this scenario talk of putting a carbon constraint on flying might appear to be the final nail in the coffin for this beleaguered industry.
Yet despite these tough economic times, which have forced many airlines to introduce radical restructuring plans, efforts are underway to make aviation more climate-friendly. Economic and environmental concerns are important drivers of these efforts, but politics as always plays an important part.
Let's face it, aircraft present an easy, or should we say, more visible target of high-carbon (read high-flying) lifestyle. As the world demands action to arrest human-induced impacts of climate change, there is increasing pressure for action from both governments and the aviation sector itself.
The European Union has so far taken the lead in developing solutions to address the aviation's climate impact. From 2012 every international airline with flights to and from the EU will have to participate in the EU CO2 Emissions Trading Scheme. This has not been without controversy, with the unilateral policy viewed by some as contrary to international law. Airlines, however, are already monitoring their emissions and implementing new measures in order to comply with scheme. According to Merrill Lynch, the total cost of compliance will be significant for the aviation sector and amount approximately to €3 billion annually.
However, while the EU Emissions Trading Scheme will apply to all flights arriving at and departing from European airports from 2012, it won't cover flights between points elsewhere in the world. To achieve real environmental benefits, without compromising the competitiveness of the industry, we need to implement a global approach covering all flights no matter where they operate.
08/05/09 Damandeep Singh & Damian Ryan/Economic Times

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Categories: Indian Aviation- In General May 2009