ICAO, IATA laud carbon pact approval
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), have applauded the ICAO members who achieved an historic agreement to implement a market-based measure that will support airlines’ efforts to stabilise emissions with carbon neutral growth. The agreement was reached by states attending the 39th ICAO Assembly in Montreal. ICAO’s 191 member states agreed to implement the Carbon Offset and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
“The historic significance of this agreement cannot be overestimated. CORSIA is the first global scheme covering an entire industrial sector. The CORSIA agreement has turned years of preparation into an effective solution for airlines to manage their carbon footprint. Aviation is a catalytic driver of social development and economic prosperity—it is the business of freedom making our world a better place. This agreement ensures that the aviation industry’s economic and social contributions are matched with cutting-edge efforts on sustainability. With CORSIA, aviation remains at the forefront of industries in combatting climate change,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s director general and CEO.
CORSIA is set to commence with a voluntary period (2021-2026) after which it will become mandatory. By itself, CORSIA will not lead to a sustainable future for aviation. Along with this global market-based measure, the industry will continue to drive its four-pillar strategy on climate change, comprising improvements in technology, operations and infrastructure, complemented by CORSIA.
To ensure that CORSIA is fair and without market distortions, the scheme will include provisions to deal with special circumstances such as those of fast-growing airlines and airlines which have made significant investments to improve environmental performance already.
US plane maker Boeing said it was also supportive of the agreement. “Boeing commends the International Civil Aviation Organisation for adopting a carbon-offset system for international aviation that will help the industry achieve its goal of reducing emissions…The market-based carbon-offset system and CO2 standard are integral to the four-pillar approach the industry is taking to stop the growth of emissions by 2020 and cut them in half by 2050 relative to 2005 levels. These efforts also include: investing in new, more efficient aircraft; improving operational performance of the in-service fleet; improving the efficiency of air traffic management and other infrastructure; and scaling up the use of sustainable alternative fuels.”
