Air passengers want to lower carbon emissions from flying, according to a new survey. They’re hoping governments will encourage the development of more sustainable jet fuels.

In a new report commissioned by the International Air Transport Association, air passengers prefer governments encourage the development of new technologies and sustainable aviation fuels that reduce aviation carbon emissions, rather than impose ineffective “environmental” taxes.

Passengers say they want the following:

—Supporting the development of sustainable aviation fuels (64 percent)

—Support research and development of new technology and better operations (62 percent)

Environmental taxes were among the least popular options, with just 22 percent supporting that route.

“Public opinion has a clear message to governments: work with aviation to encourage investment in clean fuels and new hybrid and electric technology. This will help airlines cut emissions in half by 2050,” said Alexandre de Juniac, director general and CEO, IATA.

Commercial flights account for around 2 percent of annual global carbon emissions, according to IATA. The industry projects a capping of CO2 through carbon-neutral growth from 2020, and to cut emissions in half by 2050, the organization noted.

“Airlines have spent billions on new planes that have helped to cut emissions per passenger in half since 1990. From next year we will cap emissions in a global offsetting scheme that will generate $40 billion of climate financing” the IATA CEO said in a statement. “And airlines have bought up all the sustainable aviation fuel that is available.”

“The way forward for aviation and the environment is sustainable aviation fuels. Promoting their commercialization will do more than any tax,” said de Juniac.

“The research shows that the public’s feelings are very clear. People want to travel. They value the freedom to fly. And they want to see the industry and governments taking action on emissions,” said de Juniac, and in contrast to Responsible Travel’s suggestion on the matter, the CEO suggested making it more expensive for people to fly is not the answer.

“Rather, action to encourage new technology and sustainable fuels is the solution,” said de Juniac.