China reportedly suspended orders for Airbus aircraft this month in protest of the European Union’s emissions trading system. In an email interview, Miriam Schröder, managing director of the climate consulting firm Sinergi, discussed the European Union-China emissions dispute.
WPR: What is the background of the dispute between the European Union and China over the EU's emissions trading scheme (ETS), and how has it developed?
Miriam Schröder: Since January 2012, aviation has been included in the EU ETS. Not only flights within Europe, but also non-European aircraft operators that fly to or from Europe have to comply with the EU ETS. In 2011 airlines were required to report on their CO2 emissions, and from 2013 they will need either to surrender allowances for each ton of CO2 emissions emitted or to undertake abatement measures. As Chinese aircraft operators also fly to and from Europe, they are -- like many other international aircraft operators -- also covered by the EU ETS.