Michael
Gill
comments: “The draft proposal delivers much-needed
impetus to the discussions. Although negotiations
between governments will continue over the details of
the agreement, this draft is a significant and welcome
step. We urge governments to keep in mind the principles
of simplicity, environmental integrity,
cost-effectiveness and the need to avoid market
distortion as they shape the agreement. Whilst we
understand the political sensitivities of these talks,
the industry would like to see an agreement with broad
coverage of aviation emissions.”
“The recently-agreed CO2 Standard for new aircraft
provides an example that ICAO can make historic progress
on aviation and climate change. The ICAO Assembly offers
the opportunity to do so again with a global offsetting
scheme. It is very important that the global offsetting
scheme is understood as just one of the four pillars of
climate action which also include the introduction of
new technology including sustainable alternative fuels;
better operational practices; and improved
infrastructure which must be delivered in partnership
with governments.”
“In the meantime, the industry is continuing the
significant work already underway to reduce aviation’s
carbon dioxide emissions and to meet our industry goals,
as demonstrated in ATAG’s Aviation Climate Solutions
report released in September last year. We are already
exceeding the short-term efficiency goal, whilst putting
in place the technology and alternative fuels strategy
to achieve our long-term goal to halve industry CO2
emissions by 2050. The mid-term goal, for carbon-neutral
growth from 2020, requires the global carbon offsetting
scheme to be developed at ICAO and the whole industry is
firmly pushing for that outcome – as evidenced by the
industry’s recent open letter to governments.” The
air transport industry will be urging governments to
secure the agreement in September, through a series of
industry events, the global aviation dialogues and at
the official negotiating sessions.
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