ICAO strengthens air transport’s global framework for net-zero carbon emissions, sustainable development

Photo: International Civil Aviation Organization

The International Civil Aviation Organization Assembly has accelerated aviation’s transition to a more sustainable and decarbonized future by achieving broader global cooperation, strengthening the international framework, and laying the groundwork for increased investment. 

The decisions made by the assembly directly support the implementation of ICAO’s Strategic Plan for 2050.  

This long-term plan aims to achieve net-zero carbon emissions from international air transport, building on a resolution adopted by states at the 2022 assembly session.  

Key outcomes of the assembly include: 

• Commitment to cleaner energy, with states endorsing the ICAO global framework for sustainable aviation fuels, lower-carbon aviation fuels and other cleaner energy sources. This includes endorsement of the framework’s collective target of 5 percent CO2 reduction by 2030 and the policy, regulation, support and financing pathway it provides for achieving it.  

• Accelerated investment, with the assembly calling for the full operationalization of the ICAO Finvest Hub. This hub will connect decarbonization projects with public and private investors. It aims to address financing challenges, particularly in developing countries, by facilitating greater access to climate finance. 

• Strengthened commitment to the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, the world’s only global market-based measure for international aviation. The assembly reaffirmed the scheme’s environmental integrity and committed to increasing support to states through the ACT-CORSIA program. CORSIA is on track and continues to progress with enhanced participation and expanded coverage. 

• Sustainability beyond carbon, with the assembly advancing work on issues including aircraft noise, local air quality, single-use plastics and non-CO2 climate effects. 

• Enhanced resilience and accelerated adaptation, with states acknowledging the urgent need for stronger scientific input, strengthened international cooperation and updated guidance on climate-risk assessment and infrastructure resilience to adapt aviation infrastructure and operations to climate-related impacts. States also recognized the role of aviation in disaster response, such as forest firefighting operations. 

The decisions taken by the assembly will provide crucial momentum to real and measurable progress led by ICAO on environmental sustainability.  

This progress is demonstrated by increasing numbers of states submitting action plans on CO2 emissions-reduction activities (154, up from 133 in 2022), increasing voluntary participation in CORSIA (now 130 states), and a growing number of SAF plants worldwide.  

The broader participation and stronger commitments of these resolutions also send a resounding signal to governments, industry and investors alike: The global aviation community is united and determined to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.