International
Air Transport Association reiterates call for EU to drop its ‘unilateral and
extra—territorial' scheme
European
attempts to enforce its emissions trading scheme on airlines may undermine a
global solution to curb aviation's environmental damage and risk a trade war,
IATA claims.
The
International Air Transport Association, which represents 240 airlines
worldwide, reiterated its call for the EU to drop its “unilateral and
extra-territorial” scheme, which is opposed by several major powers, some of
whom have hinted at retaliatory measures.
Tony Tyler, the
chief executive of IATA, said the emissions trading scheme (ETS) was “not a
stepping stone” to meeting global environmental targets. “It's a polarising
obstacle that is preventing real progress.” He said a global solution,
negotiated through the International Civil Aviation Organisation, needed to be
agreed, and that there were “concrete proposals” that could be agreed in 2013.
The planned EU
levy on airlines will be calculated based on carbon emissions for entire
flights, not just travel over Europe, something its opponents regard as an
infringement of sovereignty.
China, which is
hosting IATA's annual general meeting in Beijing, has already forbidden its
carriers to participate in the scheme.
The EU has said
it wishes to meet international targets to reduce pollution, and has pointed to
the lack of progress on any global deal. — © Guardian Newspapers Limited,
2012
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