Countries support global ‘Net-zero 2050’ emissions target at ICAO talks

26 July 2022: After four days of deliberations, ministers and officials engaged in high-level environment talks brokered by ICAO have urged countries to co-operate further through the UN agency toward a collective global long term aspirational goal (LTAG) of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, in support of the Paris Agreement’s temperature target.

Recognising that each State’s special circumstances and respective capabilities will inform the ability of each to contribute within its own national timeframe, while showcasing a collaborative spirit through constructive dialogue and respect for diversity, the new conclusions will aid a just and green transition for the decarbonisation of international aviation.

The meeting outcomes will next be considered by the ICAO Council in August, and then by all 193 Contracting States to the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation at the upcoming 41st Session of the ICAO Assembly this September.

The meeting considered inputs from States and international organisations covering numerous scenarios and options for in-sector CO2 emissions reductions, based on the latest technological innovations, new types of aircraft and operations, and an increased global production capability for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).

The clear agreement on the global goal was underpinned by the ICAO LTAG Report developed by the ICAO Council’s Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP), which will continue to serve as a cornerstone for States’ aviation CO2 emissions reduction discussions during the 41st Session of the Assembly.

You can find ICAO's full press release here.