I don't read The Economist as often as I would like. They have informative, balanced articles that I just enjoy reading. I was referred to an article today that deals with the European Union's new airline carbon tax. I encourage you to read the full article via the link. Not many people know about the EU's decision to begin taxing airlines for flying into and through European airspace.
It is a bold move, and an initiative I support. Air travel is the single most polluting form of transportation a human can take. With airlines barely making a move to develop and fly on cleaner biofuels, the Europeans decided it was time that airplanes pay for the amount of carbon they release into the air. The tax goes toward offsetting the effects of global warming by investing in cleaner energies and researching new technologies that will bring us clean energy. As the article points out, many foreign nations are ticked off, including the U.S.
They see this as an unfair imposition placed on them by other world governments. I'm sure those in the U.S. are arguing that this stifles the tourism industry to Europe using American-based airlines, thus hurting our economy. The airlines have already passed the tax to consumers. However, the increase is not that much. As a person who loves to travel, and has a tight budget when visiting places such as Europe, I understand private and individual concerns over an increase in cost for air travel. The good that is being done far outweighs the small increase, however.
Far from seeing this as an annoyance or viewing the EU as a bully forcing its way on us, airlines and entrepreneurs should view this as an opportunity. Why not develop cleaner, more efficient jet fuel? Instead of complaining, use this as a push off toward a new jet industry that focuses on "greener" fuel supplies. Also, perhaps the U.S. can stop whining and reward airlines that make such a forward thinking move. Maybe the U.S. could learn something from the EU about taking bold steps. It seems we have forgotten how to do it. I applaud the EU and encourage them to stick with it despite the complaints.
It is a bold move, and an initiative I support. Air travel is the single most polluting form of transportation a human can take. With airlines barely making a move to develop and fly on cleaner biofuels, the Europeans decided it was time that airplanes pay for the amount of carbon they release into the air. The tax goes toward offsetting the effects of global warming by investing in cleaner energies and researching new technologies that will bring us clean energy. As the article points out, many foreign nations are ticked off, including the U.S.
They see this as an unfair imposition placed on them by other world governments. I'm sure those in the U.S. are arguing that this stifles the tourism industry to Europe using American-based airlines, thus hurting our economy. The airlines have already passed the tax to consumers. However, the increase is not that much. As a person who loves to travel, and has a tight budget when visiting places such as Europe, I understand private and individual concerns over an increase in cost for air travel. The good that is being done far outweighs the small increase, however.
Far from seeing this as an annoyance or viewing the EU as a bully forcing its way on us, airlines and entrepreneurs should view this as an opportunity. Why not develop cleaner, more efficient jet fuel? Instead of complaining, use this as a push off toward a new jet industry that focuses on "greener" fuel supplies. Also, perhaps the U.S. can stop whining and reward airlines that make such a forward thinking move. Maybe the U.S. could learn something from the EU about taking bold steps. It seems we have forgotten how to do it. I applaud the EU and encourage them to stick with it despite the complaints.
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