Research by IATA shows that air passengers want governments to encourage the development of new technologies and sustainable aviation fuels as a means to cut aviation’s carbon emissions, rather than to impose ineffective “environmental” taxes.
According to the survey, the most preferred actions for governments to manage aviation’s climate change impacts are: to support the development of sustainable aviation fuels (64%) and to support research and development of new technology and better operations (62%). Environmental taxes were one of the least popular options, with just 22% support.
“Aviation takes the climate change challenge very seriously. For more than a decade we have set and exceeded tough targets for carbon emissions, and we plan to achieve much more. Public opinion has a clear message to governments: work with aviation to encourage investment in clean fuels, and new hybrid and electric technology. This will help airlines cut emissions in half by 2050,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and CEO.
The commercial aviation industry, currently responsible for around 2% of annual global carbon emissions, has a target to cap CO2 through carbon-neutral growth from 2020, and to cut emissions in half by 2050, compared to 2005. Achievement of this ensures aviation’s alignment with the Paris climate agreement, which aims to limit global warming.
“Airlines have spent billions on new planes that have helped to cut emissions per passenger in half since 1990. From next year we will cap emissions in a global offsetting scheme that will generate US$40bn of climate financing. And airlines have bought up all the sustainable aviation fuel that is available. Governments should listen to their citizens. The way forward for aviation and the environment is sustainable aviation fuels. Promoting their commercialisation will do more than any tax,” de Juniac continued.
Research shows that the European public are also distrusting of the government’s spending environmental taxes exclusively on environmental action.
“Making it more expensive for people to fly is not the answer,” de Juniac added. “Rather, action to encourage new technology and sustainable fuels is the solution. Airlines are taking bold steps to cut emissions. Sensible governments should take practical measures to help, not hinder investment through weakening the industry and trying to make flying a preserve of the rich.”
