Archived press release

Committee on Climate Change reports on aviation

8 December 2009

Commenting on today's Committee on Climate Change report on how the Government's target to constrain UK aviation emissions at 2005 levels by 2050 might be met, Friends of the Earth's transport campaigner Richard Dyer said:

"Ministers have been influenced by misleading greenwash from the aviation industry for far too long - this report is a reality check which should put the
nail in the coffin for Government plans to allow a huge expansion in air travel.

"The Committee says that technology can significantly cut the impact that individual flights have on our climate - but if air travel grows to the dangerous level that industry is pushing for these benefits will be completely swamped.

"The Government should tear up its Aviation White Paper, abandon plans to expand UK airports and develop an aviation policy that doesn't wreck the planet."

Notes to editors:

1. The Committee on Climate Change report says that "aviation policy should be based on the assumption that demand growth between now and 2050 cannot exceed 60% if the UK is to meet the Government's target that aviation emissions in 2050 must not exceed 2005 levels." But the CCC report finds "that on a "business as usual" path UK air passenger demand would grow over 200% by 2050, reflecting the high income elasticity of demand .This would not be compatible with meeting the UK's aviation or wider economy emissions targets."

2. The report finds that the use of biofuels in aviation is likely to be technically and economically viable. However, there are significant uncertainties over the level of sustainable biofuels available for use in aviation. It says that It is therefore prudent to base current policy on the assumption that biofuels cannot account for more than 10% of the total aviation fuel mix in 2050.

3. Friends of the Earth is part of Stop Climate Chaos Coalition, the UK's largest group of people dedicated to action on climate change and limiting its impact on the world's poorest communities. The coalition's supporter base of more than 11 million people spans over 100 organisations, from environment and development charities to unions, faith, community and women's groups. Together we demand practical action by the UK to keep temperatures well below an average 2 degree rise. For further information visit www.stopclimatechaos.org

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust