The environmental damage caused by air travel is often inaccurate and even "blown out of proportion", according to an aviation expert.
Simon McNamara, infrastructure and environment manager for the European Regions Airline association claimed that travellers should be able to make clear, informed choices about which mode of transport they choose and added that the social and economic advantages of flying should be balanced against its negative effects.
Mr McNamara highlighted that air transport is a "very headline-grabbing form of transport", but the reality is that the EU only generates around 1.5 per cent of total CO2 emissions .
"That doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t do everything we can to try and reduce that amount, but equally it doesn’t mean that we should get hysterical about trying to close down air transport," he commented.
Mr McNamara maintained that green taxes are not enough to change the behaviour of holidaymakers and instead suggested the EUs emission trading scheme, which the aviation industry is due to join in 2011, would be more effective as it forces airlines to buy the right to produce emissions beyond a certain level.
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Environmental Damage Caused By Aviation Industry Can Be Misleading Mon, 01 Oct 2007      Recommended linksYour premier UK resource for travel agentsApply for annual travel insurance online Search for last minute holiday deals Find your nearest travel agent New taxes fail to effect travel emissions Travel firm to encourage customers to pay for emissions |
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