Decarbonisation of aviation: why EU and ICAO action is needed

It is imperative that effective measures are implemented to reduce aviation emissions in line with the EU’s 2030 climate targets and the Paris agreement’s objectives. At today’s growth rates in Europe aviation will, combined with shipping, wipe out almost half of the projected emissions savings made by climate action in the EU road transport sector by 2030.

Europe must not rely exclusively on the weak and incomplete global climate measure agreed at ICAO last October which is due to be partially and voluntarily implemented from 2021. This paper outlines a range of options which are open at European-level, including in areas where ICAO has no competence. Biofuel and technology breakthroughs alone won’t be sufficient. An EU-wide strategy on making passenger rail a viable and competitive alternative is also urgently needed.