EU ETS Carbon Emissions: Aviation Firms Complain 13th March, 2012   Thomas Ridgley

Seven European Aviation firms have written to Governments in the EU complaining about the inclusion of airlines in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS).

The EU ETS applies to the largest contributors of CO₂ emissions within the EU – between them they are responsible for approximately 40% of total EU greenhouse gas emissions. However, until recently airlines were exempt from the scheme despite being significant emitters of CO₂.

The companies that have written to complain include Virgin Atlantic and British Airways; they’re arguing that the move threatens people’s jobs in the respective companies and throughout the supply chain. There are increasing fears of trade retaliation from countries who do not plan to comply with the ETS – China and the US being the two biggest. China have already blocked a significant Hong King Airlines order from Airbus for the new A380.

A draft letter, seen by the BBC, written to the politicians urges those concerned to come to a “compromise solution… which will mitigate third-country concerns whilst protecting the environmental integrity of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme”.

The aviation companies who have written to complain about what is going on believe that all of the proposals should be put on hold until a global plan for emissions has been agreed.

If your business is looking to reduce its carbon footprint then you should contact Apollo Enviro and see what we can offer you.

About The Author

Thomas Ridgley

Thomas is one of Apollo Enviro's in-house environmental consultants and has developed an extensive knowledge of the environment industry. He often writes posts for the blog. Connect with Thomas on Google+.