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Airlines Pledge to Halve Emissions by 2050

Industry makes vow to UN ahead of Copenhagen summit

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 22, 2009 6:28 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The airline industry is pledging to cut carbon emissions by 50% in 2050, reports the Guardian, in a reluctant concession meant to stave off more dramatic action—but one that will likely increase fares and trigger a race for new, greener technology. The plan will be presented at the UN today and will be on the agenda at the critical climate change summit in Copenhagen this December. Beyond the emissions promise, the airlines are pledging 100% carbon-neutral growth by 2020 and entry into a global carbon trading scheme by next year.

The aviation industry was exempted from carbon caps at the 1997 Kyoto conference, and today's plans are being seen as an attempt to avoid rebukes from environmental campaigners in Copenhagen. Willie Walsh, the British Airways CEO making today's announcement, called the proposals "the most environmentally effective and practical means of reducing aviation's carbon impact." But the director of Greenpeace was underwhelmed by its reliance on carbon trading, saying the industry was "not really taking the issue of climate change seriously."

British Airways airplanes are seen at Heathrow Airport in London, Friday, July 31, 2009. The CEO of BA will present an industry plan for halving carbon emissions to the UN today.
British Airways airplanes are seen at Heathrow Airport in London, Friday, July 31, 2009. The CEO of BA will present an industry plan for halving carbon emissions to the UN today.   (AP Photo/Sang Tan)
A British Airways airliner comes in to land at London's Heathrow Airport, Wednesday June 17, 2009.
A British Airways airliner comes in to land at London's Heathrow Airport, Wednesday June 17, 2009.   (AP Photo/ Max Nash)
A Northwest plane is seen parked as travelers wait for their flight at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.
A Northwest plane is seen parked as travelers wait for their flight at Detroit Metropolitan Airport.   (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, file)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Blackbird
Sep 22, 2009 12:47 PM CDT
Probably...
Spydiggity
Sep 22, 2009 12:33 PM CDT
am i the only one depressed about the prospect of having to put up with the airlines for 40 more years??
Timinator2K
Sep 22, 2009 1:04 AM CDT
I have to fly in to Detroit soon....so I'll have a good chance of picking up the swine flu breathing in all that shared air on the plane and then get to dodge bullets on the ground. Rockin' Detroit Motor City, baby!
Green • Money

 
climate change • Greenpeace • airline industry • Kyoto Protocol • British Airways • airline • aviation • Copenhagen climate change conference • Willie Walsh

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