In a bid to meet its target of a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2020, the European Union is expected to incorporate the aviation industry in its Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).
Under new proposals, airlines emitting excessive pollution would have to pay for expensive licenses or face steep fines.
The move follows a recent report by Oxford University that concluded it will be impossible to meet the UK’s target of a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050 if aviation expansion is not curbed.
However, not everyone is happy of the proposed plans, especially considering that the scheme will probably not initially include routes that operate outside the EU.
Friends of the Earth’s Richard Dyer said: “Urgent action is needed to cut soaring emissions from air travel but bringing aviation within the EU ETS will only have a small impact, and must be part of a package of measures.”
“This is a tiny step in the right direction. It’s not big enough, not urgent enough and not soon enough.” Concluded Mr Dyer.
