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Global aviation community takes action on climate

Sept. 24, 2014, New York, N.Y. - The aviation sector joined other business and government groups at the United Nations Climate Summit today to announce a commitment on climate action between the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations specialized agency, and the aviation industry represented by the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG).


September 24, 2014  By Air Transport Action Group

This partnership expands on work already being undertaken across the
air transport sector to reduce emissions from this important global
industry.


The commitment says: “Air transport
connects the world. It is a vital engine of global economic growth
supporting over 58 million jobs and $2.4 trillion in gross domestic
product. In order that all parts of the world are able to benefit from
the rapid connectivity advantages of air transport, the sector has
committed itself to a pathway of sustainable growth encompassing all
areas of the commercial industry and governments working in
partnership.”


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Making the announcement, the
Council President of ICAO, Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, said,
“Governments, working through ICAO, are working with determination and
in league with industry to mitigate aviation-related emissions and help
humanity meet the wider and very challenging global targets now before
us. Working cooperatively, our sector is taking proactive and concrete
actions which will continue improving air transport fuel efficiency and
stabilize the sector's net carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from 2020,
consistent with our historically strong record in this regard while
permitting air transport to continue to bring citizens, societies and
businesses together, promoting peace and prosperity wherever aircraft
fly.”


Michael Gill, Executive Director of
ATAG said, “Today’s announcement builds on the collaborative action
taking place across the commercial aviation sector. It is impressive to
see all parts of the industry working with each other, and with partners
in research, government and other sectors to deliver the climate
actions we have committed to as an industry. Aviation is a force for
good in the world, supporting economies, fostering tourism and allowing
global cultural exchange. We believe that we can continue to deliver
these benefits to the world whilst also addressing our climate impacts.”


The agreement was co-signed by
Airports Council International, Civil Air Navigation Services
Organisation, International Air Transport Association, International
Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations and
International Business Aviation Council – representing the various
components of the international air transport industry.


Currently, aviation operations
produce around 2% of human CO2 emissions, a figure set to increase as
more people travel by air, particularly in emerging economies.
Recognizing the need for all industries to undertake long-term climate
action, the aviation sector has an ambitious and robust path to lower
emissions. Governments, industry and civil society are currently working
at ICAO to develop a global market-based measure which will contribute
to stabilizing the sector’s net CO2 emissions from 2020. Aviation
industry organizations have further committed to reducing net air
transport CO2 emissions by 2050 to half of what they were in 2005. 


Putting these goals into action,
the statement outlines the areas on which the industry and ICAO partner
to achieve the ultimate vision of a sustainable international aviation
sector: supporting the development of sustainable alternative fuels for
aviation; continuing the deployment of new technology aircraft and
operational improvements; accelerating the transformation of global air
traffic management performance; working with partners to develop a
global CO2 standard for new aircraft; working with partners to design
and implement a global market-based measure for international aviation;
and working together to further efforts for capacity building in Member
States across the world.

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