THE THEME OF THE PEDESTRIAN FOR FREE

ICAO can't impose rules but its decisions influence national policies. To secure an aviation deal, diplomats are fine-tuning a text setting an 'aspirational' net-zero 2050 target while embracing different circumstances, a person familiar with the talks said. In an ICAO paper, Beijing called for assistance to developing countries to temper 'discriminatory' carbon goals. says more than 130 countries have set or are considering a net-zero target by mid-century to bolster adherence to the Paris Agreement.Ĭhina and Russia, however, aim to be 'carbon neutral' by 2060, while Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken of a 2070 target. 'Sitting on our hands is not an option.'Īn ICAO preparatory meeting in July laid the groundwork for a 2050 net-zero target, a move the industry called 'encouraging' while warning of tough negotiations. 'We have to do something,' Emile Nguza Arao, director general of Kenya's Civil Aviation Authority, told Reuters. is really pivotal,' Executive Vice-President for Corporate Affairs Julie Kitcher told investors.Īirlines produce 2-3% of total emissions but some 12% of transport emissions - a percentage likely to increase as other modes switch to alternatives like electricity faster than currently appears possible for anything but the shortest fights. INACTION 'NOT AN OPTION'Īirbus (AIR.PA) also urged leaders to rally behind the goal. 'Anything shy of that in this assembly will be viewed as a failure,' Willie Walsh, director-general of the International Air Transport Association of global airlines, warned on Tuesday. Now the baton passes to governments, with airlines and their suppliers pressing for unity around the same goal to avoid destabilizing aviation. will come with an open mind to find a common understanding and present a way forward towards aviation and sustainability which is a central theme in this assembly,' Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar told Reuters.Īirlines last year adopted a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 in a de facto dress-rehearsal that drew reservations from Chinese carriers, reflecting Beijing's more cautious stance on multilateral action. Both sides are expected to air their positions during the gathering from Tuesday in ICAO's Montreal headquarters, once used as a Cold War back-channel.Ī top ICAO official called for unity on long-term issues dominating the 11-day talks. The West says Russia has illegally confiscated hundreds of foreign jets, a charge Moscow denies.

Russia, which faces sanctions and a ban on the use of its airspace by Western airlines, urged the assembly to 'stop the destructive actions of individual states,' saying the carbon cost of skirting Russia rendered climate efforts 'pointless'.

THE THEME OF THE PEDESTRIAN FOR FREE

The theme of the pedestrian