Aviation Industry Pledges to Slash Carbon Emissions by 50% by 2050

Strategic Insights -

The aviation industry will make a dramatic pledge to cut carbon dioxide emissions in half by 2050, marking a significant shift in the sector's approach to climate change. British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh will unveil an agreement between airlines, airports, and aircraft companies to reduce emissions to 50% below 2005 levels by 2050. This move will force up air fares and spark a green technology race among aircraft manufacturers. The industry will also pledge to make all growth carbon neutral by 2020 and cut carbon emissions by 1.5% per year over the next decade.

Key Takeaways:

  • The aviation industry will pledge to cut carbon dioxide emissions in half by 2050.
  • British Airways will unveil an agreement between airlines, airports, and aircraft companies to reduce emissions to 50% below 2005 levels by 2050.
  • The agreement will force up air fares and spark a green technology race among aircraft manufacturers.
  • The industry will pledge to make all growth carbon neutral by 2020.
  • Airlines will aim to cut carbon emissions by 1.5% per year over the next decade.
  • The industry will leave the EU emissions trading scheme in 2012 and buy carbon permits in a global market.
  • The move is expected to add 3 billion pounds to industry costs, which will be passed on to passengers through higher fares.
  • The agreement is a response to the omission of international aviation emissions from the Kyoto Protocol.
  • The industry fears being cast as villains if Copenhagen fails to produce an emissions treaty.

Statistics:

  • Aviation industry emissions are expected to be cut by 50% by 2050.
  • The industry aims to make all growth carbon neutral by 2020.
  • Airlines will aim to cut carbon emissions by 1.5% per year over the next decade.
  • The industry expects to pay 3 billion pounds per year for carbon credits.
  • Aviation industry emissions contribute around 2% of global CO2 emissions.

Sources:

  • LONDON, September 22, 2009 (AFP)
  • The Guardian
  • International Air Transport Association
  • United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
  • Kyoto Protocol
  • British Airways
  • Willie Walsh, British Airways chief executive