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| EU tackles aircraft CO2 emissions Airlines operating in the EU should pay for any increase in greenhouse gas emissions above current levels, the European Commission has proposed. Commissioners called on the industry to make a "fair contribution" to the fight against climate change. They proposed bringing internal EU flights inside the bloc's emissions trading scheme from 2011, with all other flights following in 2012. Environmental groups say the proposals do not go far enough. Permits "Aviation emissions need to be brought under control, because they are rising very fast," said Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas. "Since 1990, they have gone up about 90% and, by 2020, they are going to be doubled, if business continues as usual." He added that the rapid growth of aviation emissions threatened to undermine progress in cutting emissions in other sectors. The commission says that someone flying from London to New York and back makes a bigger contribution to global warming than heating an average European home for a year. The Commission's proposal, which has to be agreed by member states and the European Parliament, would issue airlines with emission allowances based on the average level of emissions between 2004 and 2006. Any that reduced emissions would be able to sell any permits they do not use. But if they increased emissions, they would be forced to buy additional permits from other participants in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). The scheme, which aims to bring Europe into line with its obligations under the Kyoto protocol, already covers nearly half of the bloc's emissions. Economic arguments The BBC's Joe Lynam in Brussels says the aviation industry admits it has a role to play combating climate change. But is also quick to point out how important air travel is to economic growth. Aviation body Iata contends that grounding all airliners would have a small impact on CO2 emission - but a dramatic one on the global economy. Environmental campaigners say the scheme should force airlines to cut their emissions, instead of pegging them at the current level. Friends of the Earth said the emissions limits needed to be part of a package of measures. "This must include ending tax breaks enjoyed by the industry and abandoning airport expansion plans," the group said in a statement. Consumer groups are worried that it will be travellers who will end up paying to make the skies greener, our correspondent adds. Some emissions allowances would be auctioned by member states, but the majority will be issued for free. "Any increase in ticket costs resulting from the scheme is expected to be limited, and significantly lower than rises due to oil price changes in recent years," the commission says. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6195567.stm |