Why is the European Commission (EC) proposing to bring aviation into the EU Emissions Trading Scheme?
To date, policies to address climate change have not required any substantial contribution from the aviation sector. Emissions from domestic flights are covered by the Kyoto Protocol’s emission reduction or limitation targets for developed countries, but international aviation – which makes up the vast majority of flights – is not. Instead, the Kyoto Protocol places an obligation on its parties to pursue the limitation or reduction of emissions from international aviation through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the global body responsible for aviation matters. Another way in which international aviation does not help the fight against climate change is that jet fuel for international flights has historically been exempted from taxation. Bilateral air agreements between EU member states and third countries are being changed to allow this possibility, but this will take time to implement.
