Consortium Of Carriers Says Industry Needs To Be Included In UN Climate Change Talks

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change statistics show that the air transport industry causes only about two percent of CO2 emissions worldwide. Apparently such a small slice of the pie wasn't deemed significant enough to include in the previous global emissions agreement, the Kyoto Protocol.

With changing that oversight in mind, the first meeting of The Aviation Deal Group -- a consortium of four air carriers and an airport operator -- was held in Honk Kong last Thursday. On the agenda was drafting a statement addressing the industry's part in the United Nations climate negotiations through this year.  

Consisting of Air France/KLM, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Virgin Atlantic and airport operator BAA, The AGD called for a "pragmatic, fair and effective global policy solution," balancing the "social and economic benefits of flying" with the industry's responsibility to cut greenhouse gas emissions and achieve climate change goals, AFP reported.

Speaking for the group, Cathay Pacific chief executive Tony Tyler said, "Aviation has a key part to play in reducing global emissions and for too long has been seen as part of the climate problem rather than part of the solution."

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, a series of negotiations held through 2009, culiminates in the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen from December 7 through 18.

FMI: http://unfccc.int/2860.php