Open Letter sent to UK government ministers today. Consumers have demonstrated that they are willing to take responsibility. The British Government could provide international leadership, announce a new strategy to raise significant funds for adaptation and work through the International Civil Aviation Organisation to have a proposal on the table for Copenhagen.
The global climate wake-up call is here! Now all of us can get involved from home -- by making a phone-call to our own governments, or following this extraordinary day of action as it unfolds around the world
People in the developing world are largely excluded from the benefits of aviation and yet suffer disproportionately from the negative effects of climate change that it helps to cause. The Humanitarian Foundation (see below) estimates that 300,000 people are killed by the effects of climate change every year, and the US now classes global warming as a public health hazard.
Many airline companies and passengers make an effort to be responsible, but governments and airline regulators have ducked their responsibility for cutting the pollution caused by flying.
A carbon tax on aircraft fuel would raise money that could be disbursed globally by the UN to help poor countries deal with the effects of climate change. Working on the principle of making polluters pay for the damage they cause, it would create incentives for airlines to cut carbon pollution. It would also create a level playing field between different forms of transport.
This blog makes the case for a carbon tax, and outlines the facts and actions that will help passengers, governments and regulators take a responsible approach to aviation and climate change.
“Commercial aviation is the first global industry to commit to a carbon-neutral growth target by 2020”. Magic but who carries responsibility if the targets are missed?
We may not be able to see carbon pollution in the atmosphere - but it is deadly nonetheless.
When consumer are offered credible responsible choices - they take responsibility
