The aviation industry has made a dramatic pledge to slash carbon dioxide emissions in half by 2050, in a move that could force up air fares and spark a green technology race among aircraft manufacturers. British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh, unveiled the agreement between airlines, airports and aircraft companies to cut emissions to 50% below 2005 levels. In an attempt to seize the initiative from environmental groups fighting for higher taxes on the industry, the plan was presented to world leaders at the UN forum on climate change in New York.
Airlines have been accused of dragging their heels over climate change, but this strategic shift reflects the industry concerns that it could be ambushed at the global warming summit in Copenhagen in December if it does not address its growing emissions. The 50% reduction target by 2050 goes further than the UK Government's target of limiting airline emissions to 2005 levels by the same deadline. Walsh's presentation to UN delegates will be viewed by climate change campaigners as an attempt to pre-empt punitive measures at Copenhagen, amid fears they will be singled out over its exclusion from carbon dioxide caps enshrined in the 1997 Kyoto protocols.
Walsh commented, "International aviation emissions were not included in the Kyoto protocol 12 years ago. Now we have a chance to rectify that omission, and we must seize it. Our proposals represent the most environmentally effective and practical means of reducing aviation's carbon impact. They are the best option for the planet and we urge the UN to adopt them."
Aviation accounts for 1.6% of global greenhouse emissions currently, but will become the biggest emitter in the developed world if it grows unchecked.
