Environmental Protection: Mandate for Change

The author of this article (Paragraph No. 15,051) notes that the process for reaching international consensus on aviation environmental issues has become highly politicized. While the scope of potential solutions has been expanded, policy options still concentrate on aircraft technology, and market-distorting measures have been introduced. The author calls for more effective use of international standards, greater reliance on comprehensive approaches, and for shared responsibility. The author argues that while aviation must be seen as an essential component of the transportation sector that is critical to all economic systems, environmental policies must be approached from the macro level, not from the perspective of the firm or industry upward toward the larger economy. The central issue underlying current debate on environmental policy is reaching consensus on "sustainability", that is, the relationship between economic growth and environmental integrity. In developing systematic solutions to achieve this end, the question of how to realize "sustainable aviation" can only be approached from the standpoint of aviation's role in the "sustainable economy" and what all economic actors can contribute toward the solution. Technology is viewed as the critical element in meeting environmental objectives, the author observes. Yet, in the light of diminishing returns in the technology development cycle and the uncertainties in developing breakthrough technologies, the author identifies the need to focus attention to the role of non-technology solutions and the need for the public to be thoroughly integrated into the policy process. Noting a lack of accountability for actors such as local communities, he calls for developing the existing institutional and legal framework as essential for further progress on environmental protection. Central to this is land use policy and public investment in the aviation infrastructure and technology development programs. Citing recent developments in the International Civil Aviation Organization and policy initiatives in the European Unions, the author recommends concentrating on solving the legal and political challenges facing national, sub-federal and supranational governments, and the need to strengthen implementation mechanisms. For the business firm and investment community, environmental protection is basic to the health of the bottom-line; all stakeholders must safeguard the investment in, and accept their responsibilities for, environmental protection; and sufficient government investment in pre-competitive technology research and development and in the aviation infrastructure must be made, the author concludes.

  • Supplemental Notes:
    • Abstract Title is: Environmental Protection: Inclusive Policies and Accountability Needed.
  • Corporate Authors:

    International Aviation Law Institute

    DePaul University College of Law, 25 E Jackson Boulevard
    Chicago, IL  United States  60604
  • Authors:
    • Aylesworth, Howard
  • Publication Date: 2004

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Media Type: Print
  • Edition: Transfer Binder 1: 2001 to 2004
  • Pagination: pp 7051-7069
  • Monograph Title: Issues in Aviation Law and Policy

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01149571
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: TRIS
  • Created Date: Jan 29 2010 12:03PM