Flying Clean: Limiting the CO2 Emissions from International Aviation

Description:

International aviation represents around 1.5% of global anthropogenic CO2 emissions at approximately 450Mt annually. With the predicted doubling of the number of passengers by 2030, strong mitigation measures are required to limit the impact of international aviation on climate change. The aviation industry, represented by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), has set ambitious goals: carbon-neutral growth from 2020 and emissions reduced to half of their 2005 level by 2050, or 320 million tonnes for global commercial aviation. To fulfil this commitment, the sector needs to action several levers, including fuel and operational efficiency and global market-based measures, such as an emission trading scheme with an offset mechanism. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is currently negotiating an agreement on the definition and scope of such a measure.

This session will investigate the evolution of CO2 emissions from international aviation and analyse the measures considered by the industry and ICAO.

• What are the likely levels of CO2 emissions from aviation in 2030 and 2050? How much offset is required to achieve the industry targets?
• What type of market-based measure is most likely to be implemented? How effective can it be?How much can fuel efficiency, the introduction of biofuels and operational improvements contribute to the emission reduction targets?
• Can a mitigation measure be effective without reducing demand and affecting the economics of airlines or aircraft manufacturers?

Speakers:

• Vincent Benezech, Transport Analyst, International Transport Forum
• Michael Gill, Executive Director, Air Transport Action Group
• International Civil Aviation Organization (specific speaker TBC)

Contact Person Mary Crass: Mary.CRASS@oecd.org