End of Free Rides for Airline Emissions

Earlier on Sustainable C (“Solar Flight in Sight”, 10 June 2010), we looked at the potential benefits of solar flight. Such flight would eliminate extensive greenhouse gas emissions from jet fuel. For me (and for many of my friends), jet fuel emissions from flights to vacation destinations constitutes most of my carbon footprint. Thus, even though I commute by public transportation instead of car, the jet fuel emitted on my vacations gives me a carbon footprint equivalent to someone who commutes by car for an entire year.

Thoughtful travelers may of course decide to offset their greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing carbon offsets or by climate compensating their trip. Some “cheap ticket” websites even allow passengers to add such climate compensation to their cart when they purchase a ticket. Climate Care  is one such organization that offers offsets on these websites and independent of them. It is easy and worth looking into if you are interested in offsetting future plane travel.

Now, though, all flights to Europe may be charged for their impacts on greenhouse gas emissions and air quality. According to Euroactiv, the European Union is considering charging airlines for their greenhouse emissions when they fly to Europe. The move by the EU has been challenged by China, and may be subject to diplomatic negotiations. From the Sustainable C perspective, however, charging airlines (and their passengers) for emissions is just common sense. Airlines, like all other greenhouse gas-intensive industries, should be held accountable for their impacts on climate and air quality. The policy move appears to level the playing field for airlines, which have until now enjoyed a free ride.