EU aviation emissions rise, canceling other industry reductions

Carbon dioxide emitted by aircraft in Europe rose 85% in the period from 1990 to 2004, negating some of the reductions achieved by other industries, said Transport & Environment, a Brussels-based non-governmental organization. Carbon dioxide emitted by international flights departing from European airports in the period increased an average of 4.5% a year, canceling out almost one quarter of the carbon-dioxide reductions made by other industries in Europe, the group said today in an e-mailed statement. The European parliament votes today on proposals to include airlines in the European emissions-trading system set up to meet the region's goals established under the Kyoto protocol. That would oblige carriers to hold permits for their emissions, bringing them in line with other industries such as power producers. Airlines emitting more or less than their allocation would then be able to trade any difference. Carbon dioxide emissions by power plants, automobiles and the aviation industry are blamed by scientists for contributing to global warming. The Kyoto target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 8% by 2010, compared with 1990 levels. Carbon dioxide emissions from international aviation among the 25 European nations was 118.4 million tons in 2004, compared with 63.8 million tons in 1990, according to the European Environment Agency. (Bg)