Global Sustainable Aviation Forum issues communique on aviation global emissions scheme

Global Sustainable Aviation Forum (GSAF) issued (10-May-2016) a communique, putting forward the following views for consideration by states meeting at the ICAO High Level Meeting on a Global Market-Based Measure Scheme, to be held later on 13-May-2016:

• Lower carbon fuels are in use on regular flights, with more airports and routes to follow. Over 2200 commercial flights on sustainable alternative fuels have been tested, certified and flown, with over 5500 such flights to be completed by the end of 2016. There are now five certified pathways for the production of renewable alternative jet fuel;
• The world's first CO2 efficiency standard for new aircraft, supported by industry and environmental experts was agreed to in Feb-2016. A global carbon offsetting scheme for international aviation is not intended to replace these efforts, nor will it make fuel efficiency any less of a day-to-day priority for operators. Work on more efficient technology, sustainable alternative fuels, better operational measures and improved infrastructure will continue;
• A global offsetting scheme is a "complementary and temporary emissions gap-filler" to address aviation's climate responsibility until radical new technology, together with the deployment of sustainable alternative fuels, brings aviation CO2 emissions back below 2020 levels. It is intended to be simply one additional tool in the basket of measures available to the sector;
• The Paris Agreement signalled that the world is ready to tackle the climate challenge. However, international aviation "needs a specific solution" to recognise its unique characteristics. In not addressing international aviation, the Paris Agreement recognised that a "different approach is required to address the specific global needs of the aviation sector";
• Minimisation of market distortion is a key issue for operators and states. As such, any offsetting mechanism must have a globally-agreed set of rules for monitoring, reporting, compliance and the use of emissions units. Unless ICAO adopts standards and guidance in these areas on a global level, both governments and industry will be "faced with regulatory fragmentation, creating unnecessary costs, administrative burden and unacceptable risks of market distortion".
• Questions remain around the cost of such a global offsetting mechanism to the economy at large and how this may impact connectivity around the world. Analysis, both by ICAO and the industry, shows that a single, global carbon offsetting scheme will provide the most cost-effective option for the sector;
• The absence of such a globally-agreed mechanism will lead to a "costly and cumbersome patchwork of different policy measures, adversely impacting economic development by reducing connectivity, trade and tourism. The process to develop a global offsetting scheme for aviation is a complex technical and political discussion";
• GSAF considers it vital that the final administrative mechanics of the scheme be kept as simple as possible;
• A global offsetting scheme for international aviation is "the most cost-effective way to complete our full climate package, in conjunction with the other aspects of the basket of measures". GSAF urges governments to progress discussions in a positive manner. [more - original PR]