A proposal introduced by the world's 50 poorest countries asked for airlines to impose a mandatory tax on all flights, raising the price of tickets by one percent to help increase the budget designated to protect developing countries from rising global temperatures by $10 billion (£6 billion) a year.

During the second week of the UN talks in Bonn, 192 countries assembled to discuss the effects of climate change and potential solutions of reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The proposal was rejected by the Chief Executive of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Giovanni Bisignani,  who was 'absolutely against'  a tax that could further hinder the industry during this time of economic recession.

Efficiency gains in the air industry are expected to contribute to a decrease in the sector's carbon footprint by two percent this year. Even though the industry's contribution only accounts for two percent of total global emissions, by 2050 this percentage is expected to rise to three percent as technological developments in reducing the emissions of air transport are costly and may take several more years to develop.

According to the IATA, by 2020 fuel efficiency will have been improved by 25 percent through technological and operational enhancements. Within 50 years it is hoped that an emission free aircraft will have been developed.  More recently, between 2006 and 2007 average fuel efficiency was improved by 3.1 percent.  The IATA claims that its primary focus concerning the environment is to continue research and development to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  Bisignani says:  'We are giving the environment a very high priority with a very clear plan.'

The repercussions of the absence of the tax will be felt in the world's poorest countries. The United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a report in 2007 describing the detrimental effects of climate change, particularly in the developing world. The effects have been severe, including natural disasters, water shortages and hunger. Africa is most vulnerable to climate variability due to multiple stress factors and a low ability to adapt to drastic climatic fluctuations. It is predicted that by 2020 nearly 250 million Africans will be deprived of water and access to food will be extremely difficult.