Should carbon offsetting be included in ticket prices?

Craig Burkinshaw, MD of Audley, argues that effective carbon offsetting should be an obligatory part of the ticket price for all air passengers around the world.

The issues, however, are complex and in some cases, controversial:

• Carbon offsetting schemes are the most obvious and simple solution, but how effective are they?
• Make airlines pay more duty and VAT on fuel – but how much extra cost would travellers be prepared to pay?
• Planes could fly lower and slower to reduce the effect of emissions but would passengers accept longer flight times?
• Is emissions trading the answer?

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