Aviation industry targets 50% cut in emissions

The aviation industry has reached an unprecedented agreement to reduce its net carbon emissions by 50 per cent by 2050.

Airlines, airports, plane manufacturers and air traffic control providers are involved in the initiative, which also includes a pledge to improve environmental efficiency by an average of 1.5 per cent per year up to 2020 and achieve carbon-neutral growth.

British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh announced the agreement at a United Nations climate change forum in New York yesterday (September 22nd), where he was joined by representatives from SAS, Qatar Airways and the International Air Transport Association.

Mr Walsh said that the UN summit in Copenhagen this December will provide the opportunity for aviation to "join the mainstream of the world's efforts to combat climate change".

He added: "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 climate change forum at UN headquarters in New York was attended by nearly 250 political leaders, business representatives and environmentalists.

Posted by Penny, 23 September 2009 13:36

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