ICAO: Global harmonization through CORSIA remains essential to advance international aviation-emissions policies

Photo: International Civil Aviation Organization

The International Civil Aviation Organization announced July 6 that it is inviting closer cooperation with its member states to maintain a globally harmonized approach and strengthen the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, especially by avoiding any duplicative intervention through national or regional measures in a fragmented manner. 

As member states move from planning to implementing concrete action to reduce international aviation emissions, it is critical that these efforts remain aligned within the global framework under ICAO, the organization stated.

Supported unanimously by member states at the most recent ICAO assembly, CORSIA is the only global system approved by countries that applies to carbon emissions from international flights.

It ensures that airlines around the world operate under the same fair and consistent rules.

“Together with cleaner energies, technological innovation and operational improvements, CORSIA forms a key part of the international strategy to reduce emissions from international aviation,” ICAO stated.

“Working together through ICAO to ensure this alignment will maintain a level playing field for all, ensure transparency and strengthen trust among all countries participating in CORSIA, while addressing aviation emissions in a cost-effective manner,” the organization added.

Avoiding overlapping or conflicting systems will also reduce complexity, improve effectiveness and provide greater clarity for airlines, according to ICAO. 

“By aligning efforts through ICAO’s leadership, countries support innovation, encourage investment in cleaner technologies and enable the aviation sector to move forward in a coordinated and accelerated manner,” ICAO said. “That is why ICAO’s continued cooperation with its member states remains essential to the decarbonization of air transport worldwide.”