Really bad idea. The only correct answer is to tell the EU to shove their extra-sovereign taxation where the sun don’t shine
The broad outline of a compromise – but only barely that – on aviation emissions between the European Union and Montreal’s International Civil Aviation Organization appears to be coming into shape.
In an interview with The Gazette on Monday, ICAO secretary-general Raymond Benjamin said that the UN body he heads has narrowed down to four schemes the alternatives to Europe’s ETS, or emissions trading system, which it vigorously opposes.
Many countries and airlines are also opposed to the ETS for various reasons, including that it’s a relatively inefficient regional scheme rather than a worldwide agreement, and that it will be costly for struggling airlines.
Europe has long replied that its hand was forced to go it alone after waiting in vain for more than 15 years for ICAO to come up with a global system to reduce aviation’s greenhouse gases, largely at the behest of airline lobbies.
During the interview, on a commercial Porter Airlines flight to Toronto powered partly by biofuels and organized by Bombardier Inc., Benjamin said that there are now firm deadlines that will lead to a plenary assembly of ICAO in Montreal in September 2013 at which all 191 countries will be asked to vote on a single initiative.
“And in the EU directive, it is written that if there is a global solution, they will modify their system.”
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I trust that you have enjoyed your flight from the Rio+20 Summit.
This flight is approaching European airspace. We will be shutting down engines shortly to minimise carbon emissions
Please store your tray tables, place your seats in the upright position and fasten seatbelts for a glide approach using the automated landing system.
The crew will be leaving the aircraft at 12,000 feet. Please remain seated until the aircraft has come to a terminal stop… erm stop at the terminal.