World powers reaffirm opposition to EU emissions trading scheme

The International Air Transport Association (Iata) has welcomed the positive outcome of the meeting held in Washington on July 31 and August 1 where 17 of the world’s largest aviation powers convened to discuss constructive steps towards a global deal under the International Civil Aviation Organisation (Icao) to address international aviation emissions. As expected they reaffirmed their continued strong opposition to the EU’s unilateral inclusion of international aviation in the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS). The 17 non-EU governments agreed to pursue the goals of the Icao Assembly’s 2010 Resolution, including the goal of carbon-neutral growth from 2020. On the development of Market- Based Measures (MBMs), the group reconfirmed that it would continue to explore the feasibility of a global MBM scheme, while recognising the need to prioritise work on developing a framework for such a scheme. Separately, Iata also welcomed the passage of a Bill in the United States Senate to prohibit US carriers from participating in the EU ETS. Significantly, the Bill makes specific provision for officials to use their authority to conduct international negotiations to pursue a worldwide approach to address aircraft emissions.