Environmental Adjustments in the Aviation Industry
In 2019 the aviation sector accounted for 2% of the man-made carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to global warming. As governments work to mitigate the effects of climate change, they are now setting their sights on lessening the overall impact of the aviation industry. In April, the French Parliament moved to implement a ban on short haul flights and aimed to replace such journeys with railroad travel. Such action proved popular with other European countries, with both Germany and Austria seeing similar initiatives introduced. Global initiatives in response to climate change originally aimed to develop carbon-neutral travel by 2050, but France is looking to accomplish this by 2035 alongside a framework to assist other countries with the transition.
Railroad Replacement
European countries are able to replace short haul flights with train travel due to the advanced railroad system across the continent. It is estimated that plane travel emits 77 times more CO2 per passenger than trains do for the same route. The French bill will place a ban on flights that have an alternative by train that is under 2.5 hours. In addition, there will be a ban on construction of new airports and extensions being made to existing ones. The bill was created following the 7 billion-euro bailout of the airline industry, provided on the condition that airlines take measures to lessen their environmental impact. While alternative fuel and carbon free air travel are in the works, supporters of this bill say that the transition to railway travel offers a quick path to reduce carbon emissions within the EU, and bring countries more in-line with the goals set in the Paris Climate Accord. Austria has already begun the transition, with Austrian Airlines replacing flights between Vienna and Salzberg with an increased train service.
Newly Proposed Additional Fees
In addition to replacing short haul flights, new fees are being imposed on the airline industry to reflect the need to reduce CO2 emissions. This includes greater taxation on fuel and the imposition of minimum prices on airline tickets to avoid one euro air fares. However, it has been noted that a small number of individuals are dominating air travel in countries which see high emissions from aviation. So called ‘frequent fliers’ may soon be subject to new taxation which increases the more you use air travel. In the United States it is estimated that ⅔ of flights are taken by 12% of the population, and in the Netherlands 8% of the population take 42% of flights. Supporters of the tax have pointed out that low-income communities are already suffering the effects of climate change, and the disconnect between such communities and those which can afford air travel. In addition to this, there are also calls to ban air miles due to these further incentivizing individuals who fly frequently to continue using air travel.
Immediate Solutions Necessary
The airline industry contributes massively to the total amount of CO2 emitted each year. With carbon-free air travel predicted to not be completed until 2050, short term solutions are needed to immediately lessen the impact of the industry on the climate. While these short term solutions may seem divisive, they offer a path to a more climate mindful world.
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