MEPs urged to back carbon trading scheme for airlines

MEPs next week (5 July) could vote to start a new CO2 emissions trading system for aeroplanes by 2008.

A report from Green MEP Caroline Lucas, expected to be adopted by the plenary session, says aviation should be made part of the EU-wide emissions trading scheme (ETS).

Since the aviation sector has no binding emission reduction targets, however, and would not be able to buy and sell emissions with other sectors, a separate ETS scheme would be needed for planes.

The Lucas report "stresses that, if aviation is to be eventually incorporated into the wider ETS, there should at least be a pilot phase of a separate scheme covering the period 2008-12".

All flights using EU airspace should be included in the scheme, according to Lucas, whether or not they are European.

It adds that non-CO2 effects of aviation, such as other emissions and noise pollution, must also be tackled.

The MEPs' vote will not be binding on the Commission or member states.

MEPs next week (5 July) could vote to start a new CO2 emissions trading system for aeroplanes by 2008.