Global approach needed for industry
A global approach on carbon emissions is needed by the aviation industry, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said today (March 31).
It called on governments and the industry to draw up proposals in time for the climate conference in Copenhagen in December.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change is due to try and draw up new guidelines on controlling CO2 emissions when it meets in the Danish capital.
Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's directro general and ceo, said: "Environmental responsibility is a core promise of aviation, alongside safety and security.
"But we can only deliver on that promise if governments are aligned with all four pillars of our strategy. Copenhagen will test that alignment, especially on positive economic measures."
IATA's Four Pillar Strategy on Climate Change is focused on: investment in technology, effective operations, efficient infrastructure and positive economic measures.
"I am convinced that we are on the right track with respect to technology, operations and infrastructure.
"The fourth pillar - positive economic measures - needs our urgent attention," Mr Bisignani, speaking at the Aviation and Environment Summit being held in Geneva by the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), said.
"Governments must move beyond punitive economic measures, such as excessive so-called environment taxes, to focus on measures that reduce emissions in a globally coordinated effort.
"That was the vision of the wise drafters of the Kyoto protocol. But governments are a long way from achieving it."
www.iata.org