Global cap and trade idea urged

Photo / Dean Purcell

The International Civil Aviation Organisation should lay the groundwork for a global cap and trade scheme for the world's airlines at its general assembly in September, according to the Confederation of British Industry.

European airlines are already set to join the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme in 2012, under which they are committed not to exceed 2005 CO2 levels by 2050.

Although a cap and trade scheme is the most efficient and cost-effective way to ensure the aviation industry cuts its carbon footprint, it must be a global initiative to avoid excess emissions being offloaded on to countries outside its remit, the CBI warns.

The ICAO tri-annual general meeting will prepare for the next United Nations climate change conference.

And member governments should take the opportunity to start the necessary work for a global scheme, the CBI says. "Such a scheme would include all airlines," said John Cridland,CBI deputy director general.

The CBI is also calling for the Government to rethink plans to change the existing Air Passenger Duty with a "per plane" levy.

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