12 February 2016: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) has concluded its 10th meeting, having made progress toward a carbon dioxide (CO2) standard, a market-based measure (MBM), sustainable alternative fuels and aircraft noise, among others. At the end of the two-week meeting, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon visited ICAO, asking the agency to focus on its “role in implementing the two landmark achievements of 2015,” namely the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement.

As reported on 8 February 2016, CAEP unanimously recommended the first global standard for CO2 emissions from aircraft for adoption by ICAO at its 39th meeting of the Assembly. The recommendation comes two months after the Paris Agreement on climate change was adopted by the Parties to the UNFCCC in December 2015. The Agreement does not address emissions from international aviation. The CO2 standard will also advance Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 (Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts), which was adopted as part of the 2030 Agenda in September 2015.

Another agenda item that has the potential to contribute to the Paris Agreement’s climate change mitigation goals is the anticipated MBM for international aviation emissions. During the meeting, CAEP “reviewed a vast amount of technical work,” providing the foundation for consideration and expected adoption of the MBM design scheme at the 39th meeting of the Assembly.

CAEP also: approved a methodology to quantify air cargo CO2 emissions; finalized a standard for non-volatile Particulate Matter (nvPM); advanced work on the sustainability criteria and life-cycle analysis for sustainable alternative fuels; updated projections for aircraft noise and emissions; and adopted new guidance on community engagement for more inclusive aviation environmental management and airport planning. Progress in all these areas will advance various parts of the 2030 Agenda, including targets on air pollution, sustainable energy, and climate change mitigation and adaptation.

In addition, on noise issues, an advanced technology and operational improvements scenario will allow ICAO member States to consider the possibility of noise neutral growth, and CAEP also discussed a supersonic noise standard in anticipation of possible resumption of supersonic flights.

The ICAO Assembly will review the recommendations and guidance from CAEP at its 39th session, which will be held 27 September – 7 October 2016 in Montreal, Canada. [ICAO Press Release, 29 January 2016] [ICAO Press Release, 8 February 2016] [ICAO Press Release, 12 February 2016] [UN Secretary-General Statement] [IISD RS Story on CO2 Standard]