Aviation included in new climate change bill

Carbon emissions produced by the international aviation industry are to be included in new climate change legislation being proposed by the government, it has emerged.

The government has made the addition following concerns that any bill put before parliament could face defeat unless aircraft pollution is also dealt with, reports the Times.

A government spokesman commented: "We think we have an agreement which means the bill is workable."

The move echoes the recommendations of the committee on climate change chaired by Lord Adair Turner.

Meanwhile, the Confederation of British Industry's head of environment Matthew Farrow said the inclusion of aviation in the bill could make the government's target of cutting greenhouses by 80 per cent by 2050 more challenging.

The Green party, which campaigns against the expansion of airports, claims that aeroplanes cause more environmental damage than any other type of transport.