Aviation and the Global Atmosphere

Aviation and the Global Atmosphere
Aviation and the Global Atmosphere
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10.4.4. Other Measures (Communication, Voluntary Agreements, Intermodality, Research)
Other reports in this collection
In contrast with some other sectors, voluntary agreements within the aviation industry to meet environmental targets without recourse to regulatory standards have
been rare. In its consultation paper on air transport and the environment, the European Commission has recommended that the industry examine options for
establishing voluntary environmental agreements. A further recommendation was that better information should be provided to consumers about the environmental
performance of alternative air travel options (European Commission, 1998). A similar consultative process is occurring in the United States, where the White House
Climate Change Task Force is seeking voluntary reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from many industries, including aviation.
In addition, the Kyoto Protocol and the following Conferences of Parties have stimulated interest in the possible role of other voluntary measures (such as carbon
sequestration) as a further way to mitigate the effects of CO 2 emissions. At present, there is no clear picture of the role such measures could play in joint
implementation and other mechanisms that may have international significance in the limitation of CO 2 emissions.
One additional potential mitigation measure is encouragement of surface transport-principally rail-in place of air travel, through the use of economic instruments or
restrictions on the use of air travel on certain routes. Intermodal substitution is considered in Section 8.3.3 of this report, where it is noted that the scope for substituting
other modes for air is up to 10%. Moreover, comparison of carbon emissions among different modes of transport is highly dependent on the type of aircraft, train, or car
and the type of service.
Interactions between emissions and climate effects are not fully understood; research efforts on the environmental impact of aircraft emissions can assist the
decisionmaking process. Research relating to the atmospheric effects of aircraft emissions and their mitigation through technological and operational measures is
taking place throughout the world. The European Commission and the U.S. government sponsor substantial programs. These efforts are also complemented with
aviation-focused scientific assessments that are cited in other chapters of this report.
10.4.5. Open Questions For Future Research and Policy Considerations
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