Aviation industry to slash CO2 emissions

Wed Sep 23 2009 11:26:54

The chief executive of British Airways has unveiled a pledge by the aviation industry to slash carbon dioxide emissions.

Willie Walsh presented the agreement between airlines, airports and plane manufacturers to cut carbon emissions to half their 2005 levels by 2050 at the UN's climate summit in New York.

The move will mean increased air fares and is also likely to prompt a race for green technologies among aircraft manufacturers.

Mr Walsh said: "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."

The proposals drawn up by members of the International Air Transport Association include making all industry growth carbon-neutral by 2020 and cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 1.5 per cent per year over the next decade.

The aviation industry is responsible for 1.6 per cent of global emissions of greenhouse gases but will become the biggest emitter in the developed world if it continues to grow at its current rate.

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