Sustainable Tourism Law

SUSTAINABILITY: THE PATH FROM STOCKHOLM TO THE EUROPEAN CHARTER 637 Some other initiatives can be noted in this field: 1. Directive regarding the promotion of non–polluting, energy-efficient road transport vehicles 31 ; 2. Plan of Action for the implementation of intelligent transport systems in Europe 32 ; 3. New actions resulting from the Green Paper on Urban Transport; 4. The inclusion of aviation in the EU emissions trading system (EU ETS), a cornerstone of the EU’s policy to combat climate change and its key tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions cost-effectively. Finally, in the elaboration of the European Union transport policy, it is essential to take into consideration all the aspects regarding sustainability, namely emissions, noise, biodiversity and land use. Objective 3 33 – Sustainable consumption and production The consumption of energy is one of the main negative aspects. On the other hand, the production standards reveal a positive evolution. It is essential to refer to the Sustainable Consumption and Production and Sustainable Industrial Policy Action Plan 34 . Objective 4 35 – Conservation and management of natural resources Despite the evolution in the use of water and air, human activity is still a threat to biodiversity and the natural environment. The demographic growth estimates a population of 9 billion people by 2050. As measured by the ecological footprint, it is estimated that this would be 30% more than the planet can sustain in the long term (WWF, Living Planet Report 2008). 31 Directive 2009/33/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 April 2009 on the promotion of clean and energy-efficient road transport vehicles. OJ L 120/5, 5.5.2009. 32 Communication from the Commission Action Plan for the Deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems in Europe, Brussels, 20.3.2009 COM (2008) 886 final/2. 33 “To promote sustainable consumption and production patterns”. 34 Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on the Sustainable Consumption and Production and Sustainable Industrial Policy Action Plan. Brussels, 16.7.2008 COM (2008) 397 final 35 “To improve management and avoid overexploitation of natural resources, recognising the value of ecosystem services”.