Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
In the past, environmental policy was often focused upon measures and instru-
ments implemented by governments that were aimed at industry. In particular, it has
become obvious for the transport sector that addressing the transport industry alone
will be insufficient if the volume and structure of demand are important factors for
the level of environmental degradation caused (Pastowski, 2000, p359). Therefore,
environmental policy necessarily needs to be broader with regard to the actors addressed
and involved.
Table 11.2 lists the main actors and relationships regarding options for reducing
aviation's impact on the climate. The main, directly relevant, actors for reducing the
GHG intensity of air traffic are the aircraft industry, which is important for introduc-
ing new technology, and the airlines, which have some influence on the technology
used and a greater influence on operational practices. In addition, operational efficiency
is influenced by airports and air traffic management and control. Activity is deter-
mined through demand exerted by travellers, the tourism industry and shippers.
Table 11.2
Objectives, options, direct actors and climate policy in civil aviation
Overall
objective
Stabilizing the global climate
Sectoral
objective
Limiting GHG emissions from civil aviation
Determinants/
options
Emissions per
seat-kilometre
Aircraft operation
Demand for aviation
services
Intermediate
determinants
Aircraft
technology
Modernity
of fleets
Efficiency of air traffic
operation
Frequency
Distance
Direct actors
Involved
Aircraft
industry
Airlines
Airports
Air traffic
control
Traveller, tourism industry,
shipper
Policies:
governmental
bodies at
various levels;
international
organizations;
Actor-oriented policies
NGOs
General sector-oriented policies
G
LOBAL
DISPARITIES
IN
THE
DEMAND
AND
EFFECTS
OF
AVIATION
As evidenced in environmental policy-making in the EU, disparities in perceptions
of polluting activities and their effects can work as decisive barriers against the imple-
mentation of internationally harmonized policies (Neumann and Pastowski, 1992,
pp80-83). A situation where national policies are dependent upon international co-
ordination or harmonization with widely varying interests may result in a joint decision
trap, where decisions taken are most likely based upon the smallest common denom-
inator (Scharpf, 1988, p251). Diversity in the interests of the parties involved cannot
