­ Aviation is the fastest growing source of transport greenhouse gas emissions and the most climate-intensive form of transport. The sector has always received special treatment, avoiding fuel taxes and VAT. International aviation (as well as shipping) emissions were also left out of the 1997 Kyoto agreements, with reponsibility instead handed to the UN's International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) which has failed to act, and actively blocked measures. The EU has agreed to include the sector in its emissions trading scheme, but the most critical question is currently whether or not emissions from international aviation will be included in the follow-up to Kyoto to be agreed in Copenhagen in December 2009.

Issues

Aviation emissions and the Copenhagen climate talks

• T&E Bulletin: EU proposes global aviation and shipping targets for Copenhagen
• FAQ:Aviation and shipping emissions at Copenhagen
• T&E report: How ICAO and the IMO failed the climate change test

Aviation and the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme

• T&E Bulletin editorial: It may be a first, but will aviation in the ETS cut emissions?
• T&E briefing: Aviation and Emissions Trading
• Joint NGO statement on including aviation in the EU emissions trading scheme

Background

• T&E report: Clearing the Air - The Myth and Reality of Aviation and Climate Change
• T&E report shows fifty-year failure of aviation industry to improve fuel efficiency

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