The government has declined proposals to introduce a frequent flyer tax to decrease the demand for air travel in case net zero targets for reducing aviation emissions are not achieved.
In December, the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) recommended that if technological advancements do not result in the expected emissions reductions, the government should reconsider implementing “demand management measures” in aviation emissions policy, such as a “frequent flyer levy.”
A government spokesperson stated that “reducing demand for flights is not government policy.” The spokesperson emphasized that the Jet Zero Strategy aims to achieve net zero aviation by 2050 without restricting aviation growth.
Ministers are collaborating with the aviation industry to reduce emissions through technological solutions like sustainable fuels and enhanced fuel efficiency, with the expectation of a 2 percent annual improvement in fuel efficiency.
The EAC suggested advancing the review of the Jet Zero Strategy framework to 2025 to assess if the aviation sector is on track to meet carbon reduction targets.
The committee’s report recommended that if the government is not making sufficient progress in reducing aviation emissions, measures to decrease demand for flying should be explored, including the potential implementation of a frequent flyer levy.
The EAC’s recommendation aligns with input from environmental charities, such as Possible, which proposed a progressive tax on frequent flyers to promote a more equitable distribution of air miles.
The government’s response indicated a focus on achieving net zero through technological advancements rather than directly limiting aviation growth. Research into the environmental impact of aviation, including non-carbon dioxide emissions, was also endorsed.
The government agreed to include international aviation and shipping emissions in the Sixth Carbon Budget to align with the overall net zero target for 2050.
EAC member Jerome Mayhew emphasized the importance of decarbonizing the aviation industry and urged the government to take necessary actions to meet net zero goals.
Overall, the government’s response highlighted the commitment to achieving net zero in the aviation sector while acknowledging the challenges and the need for continuous progress towards sustainability goals. Please rewrite this sentence.
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