Government fails in aviation emissions pledge25 August 2011
The Department for Transport says it hasn't decided whether to adopt Labour's pledge to reduce aviation emissions.
Labour had set a target to cut carbon emissions from flying to 2005 levels by 2050.
But the Government predicts that aviation emissions will continue to increase far beyond 2005 levels for many years.
The failure to endorse the pledge to curb future emissions from flying is astonishing - hardly the actions of the greenest Government ever. Ministers must stop dithering.
Andy Atkins, Executive Director, Friends of the Earth
If the target isn't implemented:
- the UK will struggle to play its part in tackling climate change
- even more energy cuts in homes and businesses will be necessary
Friends of the Earth demands that the Government:
- keeps the 2050 target
- rules out further airport expansion in its review of aviation policy
Green wash
The European aviation industry plans to fuel its planes with 2 million tonnes of biofuels by 2020.
But, Friends of the Earth warns against the devastating environmental impact of producing biofuels on such a large scale.
- You can read the Department for Transport's statement on aviation targets.
- Find out more about our campaigns on climate change, and add your voice.
