The target for decarbonized air transport, which follows similar commitments from industry groups, will “contribute to the green innovation and implementation dynamics, which must be accelerated over the coming decades to ultimately achieve zero-emissions powered flight”, President of ICAO Council Mr. Salvatore Sciacchitano.
To achieve this goal, a number of measures to reduce CO2 emissions will need to be implemented, such as accelerated adoption of new and innovative aircraft technologies, streamlined flight operations, and increased increase production and deployment of sustainable aviation fuels.
The countries represented at the Council highlighted the issue of possible financing and investment support for these measures, and there were calls for the third ICAO Conference on Aviation and Fuels to be held. replaced in 2023.
While carbon dioxide emissions from domestic air activities are included in the environmental commitments made by practically all countries in Paris Agreement – the UN-backed international treaty on climate change, adopted in 2015 – emissions from international flights are collectively addressed under Chicago Conventionestablished airspace rules in 1947, and related agreements.
Since 1944, ICAO has been helping nations cooperate and share their skies for mutual benefit. Since its inception, the agency has supported the creation of a trusted global air mobility network that connects families, cultures and businesses worldwide, and promotes sustainable growth and socioeconomic prosperity wherever the plane flies.
Countries are the decision makers at ICAO Council events, but multilateral discussions and outcomes, such as the 2050 net-free target, are informed by the important contribution of industrial and civil society groups, who participate as official observers.
