{"id":2066,"date":"2021-11-19T17:38:30","date_gmt":"2021-11-19T17:38:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.greenairnews.com\/?p=2066"},"modified":"2022-01-07T18:15:26","modified_gmt":"2022-01-07T18:15:26","slug":"cop26-outcomes-provide-boost-for-aviation-decarbonisation-and-the-sectors-net-zero-ambitions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.greenairnews.com\/?p=2066","title":{"rendered":"COP26 outcomes provide boost for aviation decarbonisation and the sector\u2019s net zero ambitions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Whether COP26 is ultimately judged a success or failure, a number of notable outcomes for the aviation sector emerged that could accelerate momentum and encourage progress towards its net zero emissions by mid-century ambition. One important achievement was resolving differences and uncertainties over Article 6 of the Paris Agreement that provides for market and non-market mechanisms for countries and non-state participants to meet emission reduction targets. According to carbon markets body IETA, decisions on double-counting avoidance and other environmental integrity fundamentals will provide a boost in confidence to airline investors and the CORSIA carbon offsetting scheme. COP26 also saw the launch of the UK-led International Aviation Climate Ambition Coalition \u2013 with an initial 23 signatory countries \u2013 that is calling for an agreement on setting a long-term, net-zero target at next year\u2019s ICAO Assembly. Among the many aviation-focused side events that took place over the two-week Glasgow COP was the unveiling of a toolkit to help countries develop a sustainable aviation fuel policy framework.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Commenting on the significance of the Article 6 outcome and agreement on the \u2018Paris rulebook\u2019, Dirk Forrister, CEO of the International Emissions Trading Association<\/a> (IETA), said: \u201cIt is an essential enabler of climate ambition. It provides the real \u2018net\u2019 in \u2018net zero\u2019. Without market cooperation in Article 6, many countries could simply not get to zero emissions. This is because not every country has access to the natural climate solutions and engineered removals that are essential in meeting net zero, so the Paris goals would have been impossible for them. The good news is that Article 6 allows countries to cooperate in both market and non-market approaches \u2013 with clear accounting rules that prevent double counting. This integrity is essential for markets to work effectively and efficiently.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said the impact on mandatory, or compliance, markets was the most important aspect of the Glasgow agreement, but it would also give a boost to voluntary market participants, who because of how the basic accounting structure will work for governments, can engage in domestic markets where no corresponding adjustments are needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf countries begin to cooperate through carbon markets, they can set course for higher climate ambitions that keep the 1.5C goal alive,\u201d he believes. \u201cThe Article 6 framework can now accelerate climate action by unleashing private investment scaled to the Paris goals. Economic studies show that market cooperation can provide a systemic efficiency that lowers the cost of achieving net zero.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Forrister told GreenAir<\/em>: \u201cThe Article 6 deal is good news for CORSIA\u2019s future because it has a clear path to use the 6.4 mechanism for other international purposes. It gives clear direction that those transfers will require a corresponding adjustment, so airlines can invest with confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kelley Kizzier, VP Global Climate at the Environmental Defense Fund<\/a> (EDF) also welcomed the outcome. \u201cThe agreed Article 6 rules, while not perfect, give countries the tools they need for environmental integrity and to get private capital flowing to developing countries,\u201d she said. \u201cThe decision eliminates double counting for compliance markets and establishes a strong framework to ensure appropriate accounting for voluntary carbon markets that also supports emission reductions in countries hosting carbon market activities.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One less positive outcome of the Article 6 negotiations was a compromise that allows a carry-over of credits left from the UN\u2019s Clean Development Mechanism, established under the Kyoto Protocol, to a new crediting system, although their use is restricted to the first cycle of national commitments. Without restrictions, more than 4 billion credits could have been carried over. EDF estimates that some 120 million tonnes could be carried forward, while Carbon Market Watch<\/a> (CMW) puts the figure nearer to 300 million of what it describes as \u2018zombie\u2019 credits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThese zombie credits are of poor quality, lack environmental integrity and most of the projects they financed would have happened anyway without the financial support,\u201d said a critical Gilles Dufrasne, the CMW\u2019s Policy Officer. \u201cRather than being completely scrapped, the agreement will allow them to be transferred to the Paris Agreement. Sadly, they have been given renewed life and could continue to be used for the next decade, cleansing climate targets on paper but spoiling the atmosphere in reality.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, environmental NGO Conservation International<\/a> said countries now had all the tools needed \u201cto ensure high-quality, consistent and transparent climate action through carbon markets.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Added James Roth, SVP Global Policy and Government Affairs: \u201cThis level of certainty will drive new investments to scale the climate actions we desperately need across all sectors, including halting deforestation and promoting other natural climate solutions. The real winners of this outcome are the communities and organisations working to protect and restore forests. Through increased financial investment, nature-based carbon credits will benefit countries and communities, which reap both the financial and the environmental gains that forests and other high-carbon ecosystems provide. And they will benefit the climate: we need nature to avoid a climate catastrophe.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Laurent Donceel, Senior Policy Director at trade body Airlines for Europe<\/a>, told Bloomberg<\/a> the Article 6 deal would make CORSIA stricter. \u201cThis is a significant clarification in the business decision-making of airlines,\u201d he said. \u201cIt will influence their investments in sustainable aviation fuels and their fleet renewal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Formation of aviation coalition of states<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On November 10, to coincide with COP26\u2019s Transport Day, 23 countries participated in the inaugural meeting of the International Aviation Climate Ambition Coalition (IACAC), issuing a declaration<\/a> at a UK Presidency event. They agreed to work together, \u201cboth through ICAO and other complementary cooperative initiatives, to advance ambitious actions to reduce aviation CO2 emissions at a rate consistent with efforts to limit the global average temperature increase to 1.5C.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among a range of joint commitments, the countries agreed to support the adoption of an \u201cambitious\u201d long-term aspirational goal consistent with 1.5C \u201cand in view of the industry\u2019s commitments towards net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.\u201d They also agreed to support efforts at ICAO to implement and strengthen CORSIA by expanding member state participation in the carbon offsetting scheme, taking steps by states to domestically implement the necessary CORSIA regulations, advance the environmental ambition of CORSIA through the periodic reviews and working to ensure double counting of CORSIA eligible units is avoided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The UK\u2019s own primary objective for the current CORSIA review is to ensure the scheme is not weakened by, for example, preventing the extension of the voluntary pilot and first phases, which are due to end in 2026, before becoming mandatory for most states from 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The coalition countries also agreed to promote the development and deployment \u201cthrough international and national measures\u201d of new low and zero carbon aircraft technologies, as well as sustainable aviation fuels that reduce lifecycle emissions, contribute to UN SDGs and avoid competition with food production for land use and water supply. Other commitments covered submitting up-to-date state action plans to ICAO and promoting capacity building support for CORSIA implementation and other ICAO climate measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The UK is keen to ensure the coalition represents a diverse and broad range of voices from every geographical region, so in addition to developed countries, members from developing nations such as Burkina Faso, Costa Rica, Kenya, Maldives and Morocco have joined the group. The declaration invites other states to commit to the declaration \u201cand work with us towards our shared objectives.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Launching the coalition, Trudy Harrison MP, the UK\u2019s Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, said only global cooperation could put aviation on a truly sustainable path and ICAO was vital to success, having made significant progress on CORSIA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis is a team effort that needs leaders, and ICAO provides that international focused leadership, but there\u2019s more we can do as nations to inspire meaningful action,\u201d she told the event. \u201cThe coalition we are launching here represents a diverse and growing group of states which has shown the ambition to drive the decarbonisation of the aviation industry. We hope this declaration will kick-start increased collaboration amongst governments with the target of securing an ambitious long-term goal for aviation emissions at the ICAO Assembly next year. Our coalition will also commit to concerted measures now \u2013 for example, to roll out sustainable aviation fuels, boost investment in zero-propulsion technologies and, crucially, supporting countries where the transition to clean aviation will be the most difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis group can become a catalyst for action, making sure consistent, continuous progress is made in the months and years ahead. As we look to the ICAO Assembly and beyond, the coalition will continue to meet and warmly welcomes new states interested in joining. By setting up collaborations through ICAO, led by states in this coalition, we can show the world that aviation is not only committed to tackling climate change in the future but also serious about taking the practical steps to reverse decades of rising carbon emissions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The United States is one of those states joining the coalition. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said aviation was central to the fabric of the global economy and community. \u201cBut as we know, it is a significant contributor to climate change and without dramatic, urgent action there will be a substantial additional growth in emissions over the next 30 years,\u201d he told the event. \u201cSo it falls on us to find ways to limit those emissions. The question is whether we will act quickly enough to protect our countries and seize the economic potential that sustainable aviation represents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe reality is that the timelines are not being dictated by conferences or congresses, they are set by the laws of physics. The other timeline that is so important is the time engineering takes to design, test, produce and deploy lower-carbon aircraft. But we can control our response and shape our collective future. In the US, we are making up for lost time and accelerating our actions and commitments.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Buttigieg said the US had just released its updated aviation state action plan<\/a> and had set a goal for US aviation emissions of net zero by 2050, with plans for achieving the target.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said there was positive momentum, with countries working together through ICAO on clean technologies, sustainable aviation fuels and the CORSIA carbon offsetting scheme. \u201cBut clearly the world needs more. There will not be any prizes for coming second or third in the race to beat climate change. So we are very encouraged by today\u2019s [coalition] announcement and by the signatories that are being added, and we know that this will help to accelerate action. Our thanks to the UK for bringing us together.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another coalition member and signatory to the declaration is Kenya. Nancy Karigithu, Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Transport, said aviation was very important to her country, one of Africa\u2019s leading hubs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKenya is very happy to participate in and support this coalition,\u201d she told the event. \u201cWe have made considerable efforts to ensure the aviation industry in our country grows in a sustainable manner by incorporating relevant ICAO standards and recommended practices on environmental protection in our civil aviation laws and regulations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She said Kenya had decided to voluntarily participate in CORSIA from the beginning and regulations were in parliament awaiting approval. The country is also looking at establishing a viable SAF industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A representative of Costa Rica\u2019s Ministry of Environment said aviation played a vital role in facilitating economic growth, particularly in developing countries. She added: \u201cCosts Rica is very interested in launching this coalition as a political tool to support ICAO\u2019s long-term goal of net zero CO2 emissions by 2050 and to keep alive the I.5C temperature goal of the Paris Agreement. We confirm the full support of our government to this initiative and we firmly believe that more aspirational and ambitious goals can be set through strategic alliances and teamwork to benefit our planet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

France\u2019s Minister Delegate for Transport, Jean-Baptiste Djebarri, said: \u201cFrance strongly supports the adoption by ICAO of an ambitious long-term goal to achieve net zero by 2050. The industry has made very impressive commitments over the last 18 months and states must follow this up to make this objective a reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFrance also welcomes the explicit mention of the importance of promoting capacity building support for the implementation of CORSIA and other ICAO climate measures that benefit all sectors. France, as well as the EU, is glad to support this international aviation climate declaration.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other countries making presentations during the event were Costa Rica, Slovenia and Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Responding on behalf of the aviation industry, Haldane Dodd, Acting Executive Director of the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), said government support for SAF and other technologies will be needed to achieve the industry\u2019s climate targets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cPart of that support will need to be in the form an agreement on a long-term goal for air transport at the ICAO Assembly next year that backs up the industry commitment. We need certainty, the finance sector needs certainty and the energy industry needs to know what to deliver and when,\u201d he told the meeting. \u201cIn this sense, we fully support the ambition of a coalition of countries that are here today and we encourage other states to be included in the movement towards a globally agreed and sector wide long-term climate commitment for aviation to be delivered next year at ICAO. We stand ready to support these efforts.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brad Schallert, Director, Carbon Market Governance and Aviation at WWF, congratulated the UK government and countries forming the coalition. \u201cFor a decade we have been advocating for ambitious government action to enable aviation to do its fair share towards contributing to the amount of science-based emissions cuts we need for the benefit of people and nature. Industry and governments haven\u2019t always taken the most ambitious pathways over the years nor listened to the recommendations NGOs have been giving them,\u201d he argued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe need every tool at our disposal to cut emissions and pulling every levers right now. That includes efficiency measures, operational measures and sustainable aviation fuels. It also important to find ways to reduce overall demand for aviation. I know that isn\u2019t a popular opinion among airlines but the International Energy Agency\u2019s recent model does show cutting overall levels of flying will have to happen a bit if we are to meet the 1.5C goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cBut over the past couple of years, I\u2019m starting to see a marked shift where airlines are really starting to realise they cannot delay decarbonisation any longer and are increasingly taking action into their own hands by committing to science-based targets. More and more governments too are taking individual action and we\u2019re really excited to see international collaboration is happening here as well. One of those items countries can adopt at ICAO next year is a long-term goal for international aviation that has to align with a 1.5 degree future \u2013 that is what the science calls for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano provided a pre-recorded video address for the event. \u201cICAO is working as a priority on the feasibility of a long-term global aspirational goal for international aviation,\u201d he reported. \u201cData collection of CO2 emission reductions from green technologies and innovation is a key component for this work. Our open and inclusive stocktaking events in 2020 and 2021 brought together all stakeholders to share information, solutions and policies for decarbonising aviation. Industry has been a key player at these events and have announced concrete and ambitious plans, including announcements on net zero commitments. In the same way, we have witnessed a growing number of states announcing their commitment to net zero and their roadmaps to achieve it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLet me congratulate the United Kingdom for not only showing the green transition is possible but also how it can be done, and other states have now announced their commitment to reach ambitious goals.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He said that in addition to continuing a series of global aviation dialogues (GLADs) with states to gather views on the long-term target, ICAO would convene a high-level meeting next July on the issue before the Assembly in September.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIn this context, I would like to welcome the launch of the International Aviation Climate Ambition Coalition, which is well placed to play an important role in building momentum among ICAO states ahead of our Assembly,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Concluding the event, Gareth Davies, the UK\u2019s Director General for Aviation, Maritime & International Security, said: \u201cI can\u2019t emphasise enough the importance of the 2022 Assembly. It will be an absolutely critical meeting in terms of the steps we have set out today. I am inspired by the depth and the breadth of the membership of this coalition and I wish to thank them and applaud their ambition for taking this first step forward on this important agenda. I am confident many more members will be joining us over the coming months. The real work of the coalition now begins. It\u2019s going to be challenging and hard but it is vital for the future of our industry and, more importantly, for the future of our planet. We will need ingenuity and funding from the private sector, and civil society to play its role in ensuring it all comes together.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A key component of an ICAO agreement on a long-term target as far as the UK is concerned is that there must be just one global goal, as set out in the last Assembly climate resolution (A40-18<\/a>), that does not discriminate between developed and developing world countries. It argues the common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR) principle applies within the UNFCCC, whereas ICAO is underpinned by its equal treatment principle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Video recording of IACAC event at COP26:<\/p>\n\n\n\n