22 November 2010
UNFCCC Releases Document on International Transport
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The document contains the reports of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to SBSTA on relevant work on emissions from international aviation and maritime transport.

15 November 2010: The UNFCCC Secretariat has released a document titled “Information relevant to emissions from fuel used for international aviation and maritime transport: Submissions from international organizations.”

The document is a result of the request by the Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice (SBSTA) at its 32nd session to the Secretariats of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to report, at future sessions of the SBSTA, on relevant work on emissions from fuel used for international aviation and maritime transport.

The ICAO, in its contribution, notes that its current goal of 2% annual fuel efficiency improvement cannot deliver adequate carbon dioxide reductions to reduce or even stabilize civil aviation’s emissions, and that more ambitious goals will need to be considered to deliver a sustainable path for aviation. The ICAO further encourages member States to, inter alia: develop predictive analytical models for the assessment of aviation’s impacts; continue to develop and update guidance for member States on the application of policies and measures the environmental impacts of aviation; and develop a global carbon dioxide standard for aircraft by 2013. The document also contains what ICAO considers should be guiding principles in the design and implementation of market-based measures (MBMs) for civil aviation.

The IMO’s contribution notes that parties are currently reviewing a range of proposals for how MBMs could function, including how contributions would be made and how enforcement be carried out. Among other things, the document underlines that, in terms of reducing emissions, some States intend to request the UN Secretary-General circulate a proposal to make mandatory the voluntary Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) within the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution From Ships (MARPOL). The document will be considered by SBSTA at its 33rd session, to take place in Cancun, Mexico, from 30 November-4 December 2010. [The ICAO and IMO Submissions]

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