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EU tackles aircraft CO2 emissions EU tackles aircraft CO2 emissions
(10 minutes later)
Airlines operating in the EU should pay for any increase in greenhouse gas emissions above current levels, the European Commission has proposed.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.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.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.Environmental groups say the proposals do not go far enough.
PermitsPermits
"Aviation emissions need to be brought under control, because they are rising very fast," said Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas."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.""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.He added that the rapid growth of aviation emissions threatened to undermine progress in cutting emissions in other sectors.
SINS OF EMISSION Aircraft produce about 3% of EU CO2 emissions - more than refineries or steel plantsThey also emit nitrogen oxides which lead to the formation of another greenhouse gas, ozoneCondensation trails, which can develop into cirrus clouds, may also have a warming effectInternational experts predict aviation will account for 5% of total warming in 2050 SINS OF EMISSION Aircraft produce about 3% of EU CO2 emissions - more than refineries or steel plantsThey also emit nitrogen oxides which lead to the formation of another greenhouse gas, ozoneCondensation trails, which can develop into cirrus clouds, may also have a warming effectInternational experts predict aviation will account for 5% of total warming in 2050The emissions trading scheme only covers CO2
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 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.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 reduce emissions would be able to sell any permits they do not use. But if they increase their emissions, they will be forced to buy additional permits from other businesses in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). 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.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.
Air travel currently accounts for between 3% and 8% of Europe's greenhouse gases - figures issued by the industry and environmental groups vary within this range.
Economic argumentsEconomic arguments
The BBC's Joe Lynam in Brussels says the aviation industry admits it has a role to play combating climate change.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.But is also quick to point out how important air travel is to economic growth.
CARBON TRADING Designed to be a cheap method of achieving emissions cutsEnsures the cheapest efficiency savings are made firstNational governments allocate allowances to industry, in line with their Kyoto targetNational plans vetted by European CommissionAllows participants to gain credits by financing clean development projects abroad Q&A: EU carbon trading Aviation body Iata contends that grounding all airliners would have a small impact on CO2 emission - but a dramatic one on the global economy.CARBON TRADING Designed to be a cheap method of achieving emissions cutsEnsures the cheapest efficiency savings are made firstNational governments allocate allowances to industry, in line with their Kyoto targetNational plans vetted by European CommissionAllows participants to gain credits by financing clean development projects abroad Q&A: EU carbon trading 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.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.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."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.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.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."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.