Aviation emissions to be traded

Starting 2012, greenhouse gases from civil aviation will be included in the eu emissions trading scheme, according to a recent agreement by the European Environment Council.

The agreement includes all flights between eu countries and those departing or landing in an eu country. The council proposed a cap at the 100 per cent of the average level for 2004-2006. Environmental groups, however, criticized the plan saying that the eu is backing down from its tough stance. Earlier, the European Parliament had asked airlines to take part in the scheme from 2011. But now the council has postponed it to 2012. "While the emissions from the aviation industry is growing by four to five per cent a year, the move will give the sector more time to pollute,' said Delia Villagrasa of wwf Europe.