The Third International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels agreed to “strive to achieve a collective global aspirational Vision” to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in international aviation by 5% by 2030, compared to “zero cleaner energy use.”

According to an ICAO press release, key elements of the new ICAO Global Framework for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), Lower Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF) and other Aviation Cleaner Energies, agreed by ICAO and its Member States, “include a collective vision for the clean energy transition, harmonized regulatory foundations, supporting implementation initiatives, and improved access to financing for related initiatives so that ‘No Country is Left Behind.’” 

As per the Framework, “each State’s special circumstances and respective capabilities will inform [their] ability… to contribute to the Vision within [their] own national timeframes [and] without attributing specific obligations or commitments in the form of emissions reduction goals.”

The Framework’s adoption comes just over a year after ICAO member States agreed on the long-term global aspirational goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. In a video message, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged member States to “find ways to deliver on [their] net-zero target, and shape a better, cleaner future for all.”

“The role of the Framework is to facilitate the scale-up of the development and deployment of SAF, LCAF and other aviation cleaner energies on a global basis, and mainly by providing greater clarity, consistency and predictability to all stakeholders, including those beyond the aviation sector,” said ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano. He stressed the need to provide investors, governments, and others with greater certainty on the policies, regulations, implementation support, and investments required to expand the production and use of these fuels so that all countries can contribute to and benefit from them and the emissions reductions they are expected to deliver.

Noting that “achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 will require substantial and sustained investment and financing over the coming decades,” ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar emphasized the need to ensure that countries with “particular needs” receive “reliable and affordable support.”

The Conference convened from 20-24 November 2023 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 28) opens on 30 November. [ICAO Press Release on Conference Opening] [ICAO Press Release on Conference Closing]