The Committee on Climate Change has told the Government a gap on flights is the only way to tackle climate change.

The recommendations are outlined today (9 September) in a letter from the CCC to secretary of state for transport Lord Adonis and secretary of state for energy and climate change, Ed Miliband.

The letter made headlines because it suggests an ‘interim period’ where rising aviation emissions are offset by reductions in other sectors as ‘feasible’.

But, it is more focussed on what the CCC sees as a much needed worldwide drive to cut emissions by 2050.

CCC chief executive, David Kennedy says all Aviation C02 emissions should be capped either through a ‘global sectoral deal’ or by including international aviation emissions in national emission reduction targets

He goes on to say that any international agreement to reduce emissions should be ambitious and no less than what’s already agreed by the European Union – a 5% reduction in net emissions from 2013 to 2020.

The letter also lays out an auction of revenues as one of a number of potential sources of funding for adaptation which should be agreed at Copenhagen.

Mr Kennedy, said: “It is vital an agreement capping global aviation emissions is part of a Copenhagen deal.

“We are calling for a cap that would not require people to fly less than today, but would constrain aviation emissions growth going forward.

“Such a cap together with deep emissions cuts in other sectors would limit the risk of dangerous climate change and the very damaging consequences for people here and in other countries that this would have.”

The letter followed a request from the Government for the CCC to look into the future of aviation emissions.

Luke Walsh

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