Landmark deal to curb airline emissions expected in Montreal

MONTREAL/NEW YORK (Reuters) - The world's first deal to curb pollution from commercial flights is expected after United Nations-led talks kick off next week in Montreal, although European lawmakers remain skeptical that it would be tough enough.

The agreement, backed by the United States, China and the United Arab Emirates, aims to limit rising airline pollution to 2020 levels after it takes effect in 2021, but has been watered down by being made voluntary for the first five years. It only becomes mandatory from 2027 for the world's largest emitters, and would cost airlines less than 2 percent of industry revenue.