Share this on social media
Polluting planes and ships get green investment label from EU
(Transport and Environment, 6 Apr 2023) Update to EU Taxonomy could see green funds being funnelled into big polluters like Airbus, Ryanair, MSC and Carnival Cruises.
Planes and ships that run on fossil fuels could be given ‘green’ investment status as the EU Commission today published its updated list of sustainable investments. T&E has called the decision to include polluting aviation and maritime activities the ‘nail in the coffin’ of the EU’s Taxonomy.
Investments in more ‘efficient’ planes and ships would now be considered green, regardless of whether they still run on fossil fuels. Millions of euros could therefore be channelled towards some of Europe’s biggest polluters like Airbus, Ryanair and MSC.
Faig Abbasov, shipping director at T&E, said: “The inclusion of polluting planes and ships is the nail in the coffin of the EU’s Taxonomy. If planes running on oil and ships running on gas are now considered sustainable, there is little hope for the Taxonomy. Europe’s lawmakers must vote down this measure and save what’s left of it.”
The aviation industry pushed to have new ‘efficient’ aircraft powered by fossil jet fuel classified as a green investment. Under the EU’s Taxonomy more than 90% of Airbus’ order book could be considered green, while nearly a third of low-cost giant Ryanair’s future fleet would pass the threshold.
External link
Transport and Environment, 6 Apr 2023: Polluting planes and ships get green investment label from EU
