UN Aviation Meeting Approves 5% Emission Reduction Target

More than 100 countries agreed during a meeting today, Friday, on a temporary goal to reduce emissions from global air travel by 2030 through the use of less polluting fuel. However, China, Russia, and other countries expressed reservations about the impact on their economies. The International Civil Aviation Organization stated that "the goal agreed upon after five days of negotiations in Dubai, led by the United Nations, calls for a 5% reduction in carbon emissions by using clean energy sources such as sustainable aviation fuel by 2030." The target had ranged between 5% and 8% in a previous draft. The United States stated during the closing session of the meeting, which was held prior to the COP28 climate summit next week, that the goal sends a "clear and positive signal" to the financial community, which must invest in new clean energy projects. It is estimated that aviation contributes between 2% and 3% of global carbon emissions. Sustainable aviation fuel is essential for reducing these emissions, but it is costly and accounts for less than 1% of total global aviation fuel.