International aviation agrees net-zero goal

Sector now covered by long-term target for first time, but criticism remains over how it is to be achieved

The 193 member states of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (Icao) have agreed a long-term global aspirational goal to reach net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050. Because of its international nature, the aviation sector—alongside the maritime sector—is not included in the Paris Agreement and has not been covered by an emissions reduction target until now. Icao says it will meet the goal via the adoption of new and innovative aircraft technologies, streamlined flight operations, and the increased production and deployment of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), as well as its offsetting scheme—known as the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (Corsia). “States’