World leaders and representatives from 18 nations attending the
UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) have participated in the inaugural meeting
of the International Aviation Climate Ambition Coalition, during which they signed
a declaration committing to supporting the aviation industry in achieving its
emissions reduction goals.
Representatives agreed to work together through the
International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to advance actions to reduce
CO2 emissions from aviation, including the deployment of sustainable aviation
fuel (SAF) and the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International
Aviation (CORSIA).
The agreement includes supporting the ICAO’s efforts to
expand participation in CORSIA, with those states not already signed up for the
initiative committing to doing so “as soon as possible”.
On SAF, the coalition agreed to promote the development and
deployment of fuels that can reduce the lifecycle emissions of aviation and
contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, in
particular avoiding competition with food production for land use and water
supply.
In addition, leaders committed to promoting the development
of new low and zero-carbon aircraft technologies.
The coalition acknowledged the impact of Covid-19 on the
aviation sector and the need for government-backed initiatives that can help
the industry build back and grow in a more sustainable manner. Representatives
agreed cooperation between states and aviation stakeholders is critical for
helping to reduce the sector’s contribution to climate change.