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The European Union has implemented a carbon trading scheme that was part of its commitment to the Kyota Agreement that the US failed to support. It will affect US airlines that fly into European airports. They are less efficient than European airlines and will be more affected by the carbon trading requirement. The Obama administration, although nominally committed to a cleaner environment, is objecting to the carbon trading plan. It argues that Europe has no jurisdiction over US airlines flying across the ocean. China is working out a deal with Europe.
The carbon footprint from air travel is especially damaging because the emissions occur high in the atmosphere. This issue shows how important it is for global agreements on environmental protection. We share a common atmosphere and we inhale the same air. The US was a laggard under Bush and the current political scene in the US does not auger well for US leadership on the environment.
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