IATA Advocates for Enhanced Global Collaboration on Aviation Climate Initiatives
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) emphasizes the need for cohesive efforts to combat climate change in the aviation sector.
IATA Advocates for Enhanced Global Collaboration on Aviation Climate Initiatives
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), alongside the governments of Japan, Malaysia, and other crucial industry stakeholders, issued a joint statement at COP30, urging the international community to reaffirm the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s leadership and accelerate coordinated climate action in aviation to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Urgent Need for Global Solutions
The statement emphasizes the pressing requirement for global solutions, noting that ICAO remains the exclusive forum for addressing international aviation emissions. All signatories cautioned against fragmented or unilateral measures, insisting that only a unified approach can deliver effective climate results for the sector.
Role of Global Carbon Markets
Furthermore, the statement stressed the importance of robust global carbon markets in enhancing climate finance opportunities, a significant aspect of the COP agenda and a central part of the Baku to Belem Roadmap.
A Catalyst for Connectivity
IATA Director-General Willie Walsh remarked, “To achieve net zero emissions by 2050, governments must reaffirm ICAO’s role as the single global authority, fully implement CORSIA, and operationalize Article 6 to unlock climate finance for developing nations.”
Walsh highlighted that fragmented taxes and levies will not effectively reduce emissions as they might divert resources from meaningful emission-reduction projects, weakening connectivity and impacting those who rely on it most.
Central Role of ICAO
The statement reaffirms ICAO’s authority established under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Kyoto Protocol, as the sole regulatory body for international aviation emissions. The signatories urge all States to maintain ICAO’s leadership and avoid duplicating mechanisms across international processes.
Strengthening CORSIA
The signatories call for all governments to enhance the implementation of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), which is pivotal for achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. In its initial phase from 2024 to 2026, airlines are projected to purchase around 200 million credits, generating approximately US$4 to 5 billion.
Enhancing Article 6 Implementation
The statement advocates for host countries to operationalize Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, issue Letters of Authorization (LoAs), and facilitate the release of CORSIA-Eligible Emissions Units (EEUs), essential for mobilizing international climate finance and supporting sustainable development.
Rethinking Taxes and Levies
The signatories warn that taxes and levies, particularly proposed ticket taxes from emerging coalitions, are ineffective climate strategies that may harm investment in authentic emission-reduction initiatives and disproportionately affect developing economies and Small Island States.
