Just days after the UN climate conference in Bali agreed the need for deep cuts in greenhouse gas emissions, environment ministers have said the aviation industry can pollute around 90% more than in 1990 when it joins the EU emissions trading scheme. Other sectors on average are already reducing emissions in line with the Kyoto target of -8% based on 1990 levels, with further cuts to be agreed.
Europe's proposed CO2 emissions standards for new cars are a pat on the back for SUV makers and a setback for Europe's low carbon future according to T&E.
T&E's report on why basing new car CO2 standards on vehicle weight would be counterproductive has been updated.
T&E has updated its briefing on why it is opposed to weight-based standards for the imminent CO2 standards for new cars, as evidence from Japan shows that weight-based standards have failed to stop the trend towards heavier cars.
The latest T&E survey of maker-by-maker carbon dioxide reductions from new cars makes a strong case for avoiding weight-based future standards.
Editorial by Jos Dings
Last month a British Airways-led consortium pulled out of a takeover bid for the Spanish flag carrier Iberia following ‘political interference’ in the words of The Economist.
The European Parliament has challenged the Commission not to weaken the terms on which aviation enters the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme in a vote that calls for the existing proposals to be made stricter.
France is heading a coalition of EU nations threatening to veto any Commission proposals for reducing carbon dioxide emissions from new cars if they penalise smaller cars.
French, Italian and Japanese carmakers extended their lead over German rivals last year in the race to deliver fuel efficient and low emission vehicles according to new figures published today by Transport and Environment (T&E), the sustainable transport campaign group.
Analysis of fleet-average CO2 emissions reductions made by major car producers in 2006, based on official EU sales data.