Drive Smarter Loses Out To Airline Taxes

March 11, 2007 · Filed Under Politics 

Climate Change and Green Issues are well and truly entrenched in the news and once again it’s the airlines that are in the firing line. The Conservatives have announced plans for environmental taxes on flights to help fight climate change. Amongst the proposals are VAT or fuel duty on domestic flights and a green air miles scheme (The BBC). As expected airlines are opposed to the measures and environmentalists welcome them. CO2 emissions from aviation accounts for a small percentage of global CO2, and many airline supporters feel that they’re being unfairly targetted.

They perhaps have reason too! Also in the news today is an announcement regarding the launch of a Green Motoring Campaign. Known as the ‘Drive Smarter’ campaign, if driver’s follow the advice CO2 emissions could be reduced by 8% or 5.5m tonnes a year. This initiative, which everyone can be involved in, sadly won’t get the column inches that airline green taxes will!

The Drive Smarter campaign encourages drivers to make sure their tyres are properly pumped up as under-inflated tyres mean more CO2, don’t over rev the engine - change up a gear a little earlier where possible, and have less clutter in the car as the less weight carried, the easier it is for the engine and the less fuel your car will use. Full details can be found at the Act On CO2 website - which is strangely not included in any reports online regarding the campaign!

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