PR Log (Press Release) –
Dec 10, 2009 – Open Letter to IATA text:
Dear Mr. Bisignani and members of IATA,
having supported the aviation industry over the last year in their response to the EU-ETS, it is clear that there is reluctance on the part of many aviation companies to accept the long term financial impact of Climate Change. This is dangerous to say the least, and very short-sighted. We have experienced this process already in supporting other industries in their approach to CO2 monitoring and emissions trading and there was also naturally reluctance at first. But the simple fact is that, even without the EU-ETS this is not going to go away, there is no turning back the clock, and those who are well prepared can only benefit.
It is understandable that airlines are holding back, there is still much confusion and debate surrounding the EU-ETS and the administration and implementation by the EU leaves much to be desired. Firstly, is it even legal? Can the EU impose such a ruling over global aviation operators? Secondly, if even IATA and the ICAO do not fully support the system, then why should its members? And last but not least, airlines have many other concerns right now and why should the long-term impact of the EU-ETS in the years to come detract from the issues of today and tomorrow? This can seem simply too far away right now.
However, even when other solutions may be possible in time, Emissions Trading Schemes are certainly the best options available for companies. Contrary to tax-based mechanisms, a commercial-based system provides industry with flexibility and the potential for companies to develop their own individual approach and strategy in reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. This saves costs and enables increased competitiveness for those companies clever enough to seize the opportunities.
And meeting its requirements is not difficult, a little expertise is required certainly, but many airlines are already building this expertise and there is no shortage of qualified companies able to help.
In your presentation to the 15th Conference of the Parties (UNFCCC COP15) in Copenhagen you claim that aviation serves as a role model in seeking to reduce its carbon footprint, I ask you to let the industries which have gone before you into the EU-ETS be your role models. These industries have continued their efforts to reduce harmful emissions, strengthened their CO2 management and reporting mechanisms AND embraced the EU ETS. Of course, each industry must continue to drive ways of reducing CO2 and other greenhouse gases – in the case of aviation your four-pillar strategy has already produced dramatic results and your continued efforts are to be applauded. But the Global Sectoral Approach you call for is still a long way off, the EU ETS is here now, is manageable, and airlines can use it strategically to learn for the future.
Your membership is looking to you for guidance, and I ask you to encourage your members to stop waiting for something better and to open their eyes to the possibilities which the EU ETS as the first and only living market based environmental scheme offers. There is no turning back, instead, embrace the EU ETS and then improve the system from within.
Waiting for something better to come along is not an option.
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