DEPARTMENT FOR
TRANSPORT News Release (035) issued by The Government News Network
on 30 March 2007
Government
Ministers today launched a consultation on how the aviation sector
can play its part in combating climate change through the European
Union's Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS).
The EU ETS places a total cap on the amount of carbon dioxide
that industries covered by the scheme can emit and allocates
allowances to cover emissions within this. If airlines within the
scheme emit more than their allocation of carbon allowances, they
will have to buy an equivalent number allowances from the carbon
market. Those that emit less - for example, as a result of
introducing more efficient technology - will be able to sell their
allowances. Putting a price on emitting carbon creates an
incentive for industry to invest in low carbon technology.
Aviation Minister Gillian Merron added:
"We have led the
debate in Europe in calling for aviation to be brought into the EU
Emissions Trading Scheme. Aviation plays an important role in our
economy and a balance needs to be struck and maintained between
environmental, economic and social considerations. Aviation should
meet its environmental costs and emissions trading is the best
option for this."
Environment and Climate Change Minister Ian Pearson
said:
"Much of UK industry already plays its part in the
EU ETS which now covers nearly half of the UK's carbon
emissions."
"While still relatively small, aviation
is the fastest growing source of emissions in the UK and, like
other sectors of the economy, the aviation industry needs to take
its share of responsibility for tackling climate change. "
"We have led the debate in Europe in calling for aviation to
be brought into the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. It's now
time that the aviation sector joins this effort and joins a scheme
which puts a cap on its emissions."
The consultation seeks responses on a number of issues, including
the following:
* which flights should be included in the
scheme, for example, those arriving in and departing from the EU
or just those flying between EU airports
* when aviation
should enter the scheme
* how the scheme should be regulated,
and
* how allowances will be allocated.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. The proposal was published by the
Commission on 20th December 2006.
2. Emissions from aviation
have grown by 87% between 1990 and 2004.
3. International
aviation accounts for 6% of UK CO2 emissions.
4. Domestic
aviation accounts for 0.4% of UK CO2 emissions.
5. Aviation
emissions account for 1.3% of global CO2 emissions.
6. The
consultation will run for 9 weeks from today 30th March.
7.
The full consultation papers can be seen at http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/aviationemissionstrading
8. The consultation period closes on 1st June.
9. More
information on the EU ETS can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/climatechange/trading/eu/index.htm
Public Enquiries: 020 7944 8300
Department for Transport
Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk