Aviation Offset Standard Launched
The rapid growth of the aviation industry and its increasing contribution to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has made it a target for environmental groups. Some airlines are now giving their passengers the option of offsetting their emissions. However, in order for this to be effective one must be able to calculate accurately and consistently how much the flight will contribute to climate change. It is for this reason that the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) launched a new offset standard on World Environment day, the 5th June 2008, at the UN climate conference in
This carbon calculator measures the carbon dioxide emissions from burning jet fuel and from now on will govern how much passengers should pay to offset their carbon footprint. However, the standard has almost immediately come under fire amidst claims that it undermines the industry’s contribution to climate change because it ignores other gases and particles released during flights such as nitrous oxide and water vapour. The impact of these gases, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a warming effect 2.7 times that of the carbon dioxide alone. Unlike other carbon calculators which assume a multiplier of 2.7, the ICAO assumes 1. The ICAO has argued that there is not enough scientific research to clarify the effects of other emissions. In support of the ICAO, Kevin Anderson, a scientist at
While the new offset standard creates uniformity in the calculation methods of flight emissions which is much needed for the protection of consumer rights and to reduce confusion in a loosely regulated carbon offset market, it unfortunately further undermines the perceived climate impact of flights. More specifically, it has been argued that the contribution of GHG’s from the aviation industry is closer to 20% rather than 2%, which is the current official figure. Also airplane emissions released at such a high altitude are two to four times more destructive than ground level emissions. At the same time demand for flights is expected to double from 842 million in 2006 to 1.6 billion in 2020. Taking this into consideration, the new ICAO standard may be a good tool for raising public awareness but it may not be strict enough to cause any real environmental benefits.
Source: http://uk.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUKL052198820080605
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2006/sep/21/travelsenvironmentalimpact.ethicalliving