Archived press release

New figures show huge rise in aviation emissions

31 January 2007

Official statistics published today show that the UK Government is still failing to tackle climate change. The 2005 figures also highlight the growing threat from aviation emissions.

Friends of the Earth said that the figures highlighted the need for the new law on climate change - announced in the Queen's Speech climate - to set must set mandatory targets for cutting UK carbon dioxide emissions by at least three per cent every year. The environmental campaign group also called on the Government to take urgent steps to make the cost of flying reflect the impact that it has on the environment and abandon plans to allow new runways to be built.

The Government revealed today that:

• UK Carbon dioxide emissions in 2005 were virtually unchanged from 2004 levels (only 0.1 per cent below). This means that they are still higher than 1997, when Labour came to power.

• That the Government's repeated promise (in three election manifestos) to cut UK CO2 emissions by 20 per cent of 1990 levels by 2010 looks "increasingly difficult to achieve".

• Emissions from aviation continued to increase. Between 2004 and 2005, CO2 emissions from domestic aviation increased by 7.1 per cent, while international aviation emissions increased by 5.7 per cent, due to an increased number of flights. Between 1990 and 2005, emissions from aviation fuel use more than doubled.

Friends of the Earth's Head of Campaigns, Mike Childs said:

"These figures show that the Government is still failing to tackle climate change. Carbon dioxide levels are higher than when Labour came to power, despite repeatedly promising substantial cuts.. The Government must get back on track by ensuring that its new law on climate change sets annual targets for cutting carbon dioxide emissions by at least three per cent every year."

"Aviation is the fastest growing source of carbon dioxide in the UK. Emissions have more than doubled since 1990. The Government must do more to ensure that the cost of flying reflects the environmental damage that aviation causes. And it should abandon plans to allow new runways to be built."

"There is still time to tackle climate change and many of the solutions to tackle it already exist. However, the Government must show that it is has the political courage to face up to the challenge and set the UK on the path to a low-carbon economy."

Notes

Friends of the Earth launched a campaign for a new climate change law through The Big Ask campaign in 2005. There is now a huge coalition of organisations, politicians and political parties calling for a new climate change law requiring the Government to make annual cuts in UK carbon dioxide emissions. This includes 412 MPs (just under two thirds of the 646 MPs) who have signed Early Day Motion 178 and all the main opposition parties. The Government agreed to introduce new legislation in the Queen's Speech last November, and is expected to consult on the detail shortly. www.thebigask.com

Friends of the Earth is calling for Britain's share of International Aviation emissions to be included in official stats on emissions, and for them to be included in climate change reduction targets.

1. www.defra.gov.uk/news/2007/070131b.htm

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Published by Friends of the Earth Trust