London-New York Flights Generate 1.4Mt CO₂, Excluded from EU Emissions Trading
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- These emissions are not included in the European Union's Emissions Trading System (ETS) (per theguardian.com).
- The ETS is a key tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by setting a cap on the total amount of certain greenhouse gases that can be emitted by installations covered by the system (per theguardian.com).
- Airline emissions in Europe have surpassed pre-COVID-19 levels despite pledges to decarbonize (per theguardian.com).
- The exclusion of transatlantic flights from the ETS is seen as a significant gap in the EU's climate policy (per theguardian.com).
- Environmental groups argue that including all international flights in the ETS would incentivize airlines to adopt more sustainable practices (per theguardian.com).
In 2025, flights between London and New York generated nearly 1.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, yet these emissions are not accounted for in the European Union's Emissions Trading System (ETS). The ETS, a cornerstone of the EU's strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, sets a cap on emissions and allows trading of emission allowances.
However, the exclusion of transatlantic flights from this system has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current decarbonization efforts in the aviation sector. The aviation industry has been under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, especially as airline emissions in Europe have now exceeded pre-COVID-19 levels.
Despite pledges to decarbonize, the sector's emissions continue to rise, highlighting the challenges in aligning industry practices with climate goals. Environmental groups have criticized the EU for not including international flights in the ETS, arguing that this omission undermines the system's potential to drive significant reductions in aviation emissions.
They contend that including all flights would create stronger incentives for airlines to adopt more sustainable practices, such as investing in cleaner technologies and improving fuel efficiency. The exclusion of London-New York flights from the ETS is seen as a significant gap in the EU's climate policy.
This route is one of the busiest and most carbon-intensive in the world, and its emissions contribute substantially to the aviation sector's overall environmental impact. The EU's decision to exclude these flights from the ETS reflects broader challenges in international climate policy, where jurisdictional and regulatory complexities often hinder comprehensive solutions.
As the aviation industry continues to grow, finding effective mechanisms to curb its emissions remains a critical issue for policymakers. The debate over the inclusion of international flights in emissions trading systems is likely to intensify as the EU and other regions seek to strengthen their climate commitments.
The outcome of this debate could have significant implications for the future of aviation and its role in global efforts to combat climate change.
- The exclusion of London-New York flights from the ETS means that the environmental costs of these emissions are not being addressed, impacting global climate efforts.
- Airlines benefit from the current system by avoiding additional costs associated with emissions trading, potentially delaying investments in cleaner technologies.
- The EU's climate policy effectiveness is questioned, as significant emissions sources remain unregulated, undermining broader decarbonization goals.
- Whether the EU will consider including international flights in the ETS in upcoming climate policy reviews.
- Potential responses from environmental groups advocating for stricter regulations on aviation emissions.
- Any announcements from airlines regarding investments in sustainable technologies or practices.
Left- and right-leaning outlets are covering this story differently — in which facts to emphasize, which context to include, and how to frame causes and consequences.
7 specific areas where coverage diverges — see below.
- Theguardian.com highlights the exclusion of transatlantic flights from the ETS as a major policy gap.
- No disputes or unclear facts were noted in the provided source.
- No source mentions the specific lobbying efforts by airlines to remain excluded from the ETS.
- Theguardian.com provides the figure of 1.4 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions for London-New York flights.
- Theguardian.com implies that the exclusion of flights from the ETS contributes to rising emissions.
- Theguardian.com attributes the rise in emissions to the exclusion of flights from the ETS.