Blog

12
Jun

Tyler: EU ETS is ‘polarizing obstacle

IATA DG and CEO Tony Tyler has issued strong criticism of the European Commission’s unmoving stance on the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) carbon tax and called on Europe to “get on with finding a global solution.”

In a hard-hitting keynote speech in Beijing at the IATA 2012 annual meeting and summit, Tyler said EU ETS stood in the way of achieving targets reduce emissions and to setting a comprehensive solution on aviation emissions negotiated via ICAO.

“To meet our ambitious targets we will, at least initially, also need globally coordinated, positive market-based measures. The extra-territorial EU Emissions Trading Scheme is not a stepping stone on the way. It’s a polarizing obstacle that is preventing real progress. Our host country, China, is at the forefront of the opposition to the European ETS. Its carriers are forbidden from participating,” Tyler said (ATW Daily News, May 17).

A global agreement reached through ICAO at its 2013 assembly is the only real solution, Tyler said, but is impossible under current conditions. “Europe seems more committed to implementing its ETS unilaterally than to sincerely negotiating a multilateral agreement. For Europe’s international counterparts it’s like being asked to negotiate with a gun to their head.”

Tyler said IATA was very encouraged by recent progress at ICAO and an agreement was vital.

“States are focused on the issue as never before. The onus is now on Europe to seize the moment, take a credible action to defuse the situation, and get on with finding the global solution that everybody is hoping for,” Tyler said.
source:ATW(June 11,2012)