Sir, British Airways’ feeble attempt at carbon emissions accountability (report, October 20) will do little to reform the polluting air travel industry. Passengers have the option of paying a nominal fee, which supposedly compensates for the emission of greenhouse gases during flights, but such low fees minimise perception of the damage done to the environment. The plan indicates that British Airways fails to comprehend the industry’s damning contributions toclimate change and is an attempt to appease a concerned Government while cleverly avoiding actual cost to the company.

Legal action is necessary to bring about change in the airline industry. Tax breaks enjoyed by airlines must end and companies must take responsibility for the hidden costs of air travel — congestion, pollution, ill health, environmental degradation and climate change. Flying should never be the cheapest option when other forms of transport are feasible, and money should be invested in making rail and other forms of travel more efficient and affordable.

Passengers must also be held responsible for their contributions to climate change. The Green Party advocates the application of the polluter pays principle and in this scenario passengers would pay fees that accurately reflect the damaging carbon produced during a flight.

Cheap flights are a luxury enjoyed by the well-off in richer countries, but the damage affects everyone and must be checked.

PENNY KEMP
(Green Party Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Spokesperson)
London N19

Sir, Gordon Brown can take action on aviation fuel pollution in his Pre-Budget Statement. He should increase air passenger duty by £10 per ticket, and make the air industry pay for some of its contribution to global climate change.

If the Government is serious about tackling climate change, tough action is needed now.

RICHARD DYER
(Aviation Campaigner, Friends of the Earth)
London N1

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