UN avoids trade war over air carbon tax by not acting until 2020

The United Nations International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) member states have agreed to develop a global carbon tax scheme to fight global warming by 2016 but not to implement it until 2020. ICAO's members agreed to report back in 2016 with a proposal for a global market-based scheme capable of being implemented by 2020. As there has been no global warming in 15 years, the delay will provide time to consider other options. Said ICAO council president Roberto Kobeh Gonzalez: "Once again, our states have shown that significant boundaries can be surpassed when we agree to recognise and accommodate our varying circumstances while progressing together towards common goals." Said the European Commission vice president Siim Kallas: "This is good news for the travelling public, good news for the aviation industry, but most importantly it is very good news for the planet." Said International Air Transport Association chief Tony Tyler: "We are encouraged by a clear message from governments coming out of this assembly that global implementation of what has been agreed at ICAO is critical to the future successful development of our important industry."