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Government to offset flight emissions
3 April 2006
Commenting on the Government's voluntary scheme to offset carbon emissions arising from official flights, which starts this week, Friends of the Earth's aviation campaigner, Tony Bosworth said:
"The runaway growth of aviation threatens to make it virtually impossible to meet our long-term climate targets. The Government can't put its house in order by just offsetting its emissions - it must also urgently review its aviation policies. Ministers must abandon plans to allow a massive expansion in UK airports and increase Air Passenger Duty as a first step to fair taxation of the industry."
Friends of the Earth's climate campaign, The Big Ask, is calling for a new law requiring the Government to make annual cuts in carbon dioxide levels. The measure has wide-spread support, including the majority of MPs. More information: www.thebigask.com
Notes
A BA voluntary scheme failed pretty abysmally. Less than 0.05% of passengers took it up: www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1833936,00.html The Government can't put its house in order
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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust
Last modified: Jun 2008
