Engineering news
A global agreement to cap carbon emissions by the aviation industry, signed by representatives of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), has been welcomed by aerospace manufacturers.
Under the deal, international airlines will be required to cap the level of CO2 they produce at 2020 levels or take additional measures to reduce emissions by purchasing carbon-offsetting credits. Government, industry and civil society representatives agreed on a new global market-based measure to control emissions which will be used as the basis for the deal.
Fabrice Brégier, president and chief executive of Airbus, said: “This is a crucial year for the global aviation community and ICAO. Following the successful agreement of a CO2 certification standard for aircraft in February this year, the international carbon offset plan is another key milestone in supporting the aviation industry's commitment in reducing CO2 emissions.
"Airbus is fully committed to all pillars of the industry's climate action plan through delivering the world’s most fuel efficient aircraft, supporting the deployment of operational improvements around the world and facilitating the wider adoption of sustainable alternative fuels.”
Boeing added: "The market-based carbon-offset system and CO2 standard are integral to the four-pillar approach the industry is taking to stop the growth of emissions by 2020 and cut them in half by 2050 relative to 2005 levels. These efforts also include: investing in new, more efficient aircraft; improving operational performance of the in-service fleet; improving the efficiency of air traffic management and other infrastructure; and scaling up the use of sustainable alternative fuels.
"We continually innovate to improve the efficiency and environmental performance of our products and services. The 787 Dreamliner family reduces fuel use and CO2 emissions by 20-25% compared to airplanes it replaces. The 737 MAX, with first delivery expected in 2017, will reduce fuel use and emissions by 20% compared to the original Next-Generation 737."
The deal, which will be voluntary until 2027, has been signed by 60 countries including the UK, US, China, the UAE and Qatar. However, India and Russia have refused to sign the agreement, claiming it placed an unfair burden on emerging countries.
Aviation minister Lord Ahmad said: “International aviation is responsible for putting more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere every year than the whole of the UK and yet until now, there has been no global consensus on how to address the growing problem of aviation emissions.
“For years, the UK has pushed to tackle aviation emissions globally. Now, 191 countries have agreed on a global measure and sent a clear message that aviation will play its part in combating climate change.”
However, environmental groups are unimpressed by the deal. Transport & Environment aviation director Bill Hemmings said: “Airline claims that flying will now be green are a myth. Taking a plane is the fastest and cheapest way to fry the planet and this deal won’t reduce demand for jet fuel one drop. Instead offsetting aims to cut emissions in other industries.
“Today is not mission accomplished for ICAO, Europe or industry. The world needs more than voluntary agreements. Without robust environmental safeguards the offsets won’t cut emissions, leaving us with a deal that amounts to little more than adding the price of a cup of coffee to a ticket,” he added.