Air transport is growing fast worldwide, bringing with it unwelcome increases in CO2 emissions. In the EU, CO2 emissions from aviation grew by nearly 70% from 1990 to 2002. The European Commission is seeking the views of European citizens on possible EU action to curb this growing trend. Starting today, an internet consultation will run for 8 weeks. The results will feed into a strategy planned for this summer focusing on how economic instruments could be used to reduce the climate change impact of aviation.
Air traffic contributes to a significant share of the overall climate impact. A return-flight for two persons from London to New York produces about as much CO2 as an average passenger car in the EU does in a whole year, for example. World passenger air traffic has increased by about 14 % in 2004 and the world aircraft fleet is expected to double by 2020. CO2 emissions will increase if traffic growth continues to surpass the historical trend of 1-2 % annual improvements in efficiency of aircraft technology and operations.
How to participate in the public consultation?
Questions cover issues like 'awareness about climate change from airplanes', 'opinion about the price of air transport and measures affecting it' and 'policy measures to address the issue'.
The questionnaire is available via the following link:
Background
Greenhouse gas emissions from international aviation are currently reported under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) but are not part of the quantified commitments undertaken by the developed countries that ratified the Kyoto Protocol. However, the Protocol states that the developed countries shall pursue limitation or reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases from aviation, working through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). ICAO has been studying various options including taxes, charges and emissions trading but has so far not agreed on implementation of any measures that are likely to solve the problem. In the 6th Community Environment Action Programme, the EU decided to identify and undertake specific actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aviation if no such action was agreed within ICAO by 2002.
Bron : Persberichten Europese Commissie