If the world is to head off dangerous climate change and somehow keep a global temperature rise under 2 C, we need all hands on deck. That includes airlines.
Air travel is not only the fastest growing form of transport. It is also the most carbon intensive. But a recent attempt to require aircraft flying to Europe to pay for their CO2 emissions under the European Union's Emissions Trading System triggered fierce opposition from many non-European countries.
The EU has suspended its plan for a year, putting the ball back in the court of the International Civil Aviation Organization and its 191 member states to find a solution.
This is the ideal place for aviation to begin cutting the 5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions it now accounts for.
Unlike variable national taxes and charges such as India's fuel tax for domestic flights, international routes require a level playing field so that all airlines pay the same carbon costs, so reducing the risk of "freeloaders". This approach requires a global agreement.
10/07/13 Achim Steiner/Economic Times
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Air travel is not only the fastest growing form of transport. It is also the most carbon intensive. But a recent attempt to require aircraft flying to Europe to pay for their CO2 emissions under the European Union's Emissions Trading System triggered fierce opposition from many non-European countries.
The EU has suspended its plan for a year, putting the ball back in the court of the International Civil Aviation Organization and its 191 member states to find a solution.
This is the ideal place for aviation to begin cutting the 5 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions it now accounts for.
Unlike variable national taxes and charges such as India's fuel tax for domestic flights, international routes require a level playing field so that all airlines pay the same carbon costs, so reducing the risk of "freeloaders". This approach requires a global agreement.
10/07/13 Achim Steiner/Economic Times
