Nations demand climate plan from air, maritime industries

Saturday, January 17, 2009TOKYO: Representatives of 20 nations and the European Union called on Friday on the air and maritime industries to act on global warming and address carbon emissions by year-end. Transport ministers and envoys from the nations, including the Group of Eight major economies, held two days of talks in Tokyo as part of efforts to meet a goal of drafting a new climate change treaty by December. In a joint statement, the nations said while transport was “an important foundation of our society” it was responsible for “considerable emissions of carbon dioxide,” affecting the climate and public health. “Urgent actions are required to address these issues while ensuring sustainable development,” the statement said. They called on the International Maritime Organisation to “deliver a package of appropriate mechanisms for reducing emissions, preferably by the end of 2009.” The countries also said they would support the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to come up with technology, standards and market-based measures by the end of the year to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.The aviation industry group had agreed in 2007 to come up with ways to reduce the environmental impact of airplanes.