ICAO 42nd Assembly joint briefing with COSIS

Clear skies, clean seas: to protect our oceans from the damage caused by climate change, States must act to effectively tackle aviation emissions at this year’s crucial international meeting at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

In 2023, aviation accounted for 2.5% of global CO2 emissions. It is projected to grow faster than rail, road and shipping sectors, all of which are working to bring their emissions under greater control. Meanwhile, aviation’s share of global CO2emissions could rise to 22% by 2050. Accordingly, its indirect impact on the health of our oceans, through its contribution to climate change, will also grow.

In spite of a ‘long term aspirational goal’ of reaching net zero by 2050, the sector as a whole is currently on a pathway aligned with four degrees of warming. This would have disastrous impacts on ocean health.

This year’s ICAO conference, to be held in September, is a crucial opportunity for countries to use the conclusions of the groundbreaking Commission of Small Island States (COSIS) Advisory Opinion under the Law of the Sea. This opinion requires States to take all necessary measures to protect our oceans.

States must now apply these obligations to the aviation industry. It is essential that delegates at the forthcoming ICAO aviation negotiations push for ambition to get aviation on a meaningful trajectory to reduce its emissions.

Download and read the ICAO Assembly briefing.

In this briefing, Opportunity Green and COSIS:

• Outline states’ obligations under international law.

• Consider policy options to drive the emissions reductions that are desperately needed