• Measures to Curb the Climate Change Impacts of Aviation

    Joint NGO position paper on measures to reduce the climate change impacts of aviation.

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    Summary:

    • In 2000, aviation was responsible for 4 to 9 per cent of the climate change impact of global human activity – the range reflecting uncertainty surrounding the effect of cirrus clouds;
    • International aviation is not subject to Kyoto or other climate commitments;
    • Aviation has by far the greatest climate impact of any transport mode, whether measured per passenger kilometre, per tonne kilometre, per € spent, or per hour spent;
    • Aviation increases the EU’s oil import burden by over €20 billion per year;
    • Today’s passenger aircraft are no more fuel-efficient than those that flew half a century ago;
    • The importance of aviation for the economy and employment is far less than its importance for climate change;
    • Every segment of the aviation industry including manufacturers, airlines and airports is subsidised and enjoys major tax exemptions;
    • EU-level action does not affect the competitive position of EU airlines compared with their non-EU competitors, provided that policies do not discriminate between EU and non EU carriers flying the same routes (which is obligatory anyway under the Chicago Convention).