Aviation needs to sell its story on climate change

Sunday, 12 Jul, 2007 0

Tourism Minister Fran Bailey told the TTF Climate Change Summit in Sydney this week that aviation needs to get on the front foot and start telling its good story on climate change to protect our long haul tourism industry.

She said that our tourism industry is leading the world on environmental sustainability and while aviation contributes 2% of all Co2 emissions, it supports more than 8% of global economic activity, with in Australia, tourism creating jobs for half a million Australians and worth $81 billion to our country.

Emissions per passenger kilometre have decreased by 70% over the past 40 years, with a 20% increase in fuel efficiency in the last decade alone and today’s modern aircraft use 3.5 litres of fuel per 100 passenger kilometres, similar to a small compact car but with six times the speed.

The Airbus A380 and the Boeing 787 Dream-liner represent a new generation of fuel-efficient aircraft, with new on-the-ground and air traffic procedures further cutting emissions and last year Rolls Royce launched its Environmentally Friendly Engine that will reduce emissions by 50%.

The Minister added, “Australian tourism is leading the world on sustainable tourism and tourists are attracted to our pristine environment, our wonderful beaches and spectacular outback, but the public perception is that aviation is responsible for 98% of emissions, but the reality is aviation only accounts for 2% of emissions.” “With Australia being a long haul destination, we need to correct this public perception to safeguard our $81 billion tourism industry.”

“I urge the aviation industry to be up front about the good work they are doing, with their environmental enhancements to their aircraft and operating procedures, as well as future plans to reduce their carbon footprints.”

“But of course, there is always more we can do, which is which is why I am developing the Tourism Action Plan on Climate Change in close cooperation with scientists and the aviation and tourism industries.”

Report by The Mole