A series of five workshops will be held around the world in February and March 2017, at which experts and industry participants will discuss preparations for the world’s first sectoral carbon market mechanism.
ICAO’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction System for International Aviation, known as CORSIA, will cover growth in CO2 from international flights from 2020, starting with a voluntary scheme and moving to a mandatory system after six years. The CORSIA is expected to cover over 80% of the growth in CO2 from the sector from 2020 by requiring operators on those routes taking part in the scheme to offset emissions through approved carbon reduction projects. More information is available here.
IATA Director of Aviation and Environment, Michael Gill said: "Over 80% of the growth in international aviation CO2 will now be covered by the CORSIA. This global commitment to aviation sustainability is being matched by airlines who are already undertaking significant efficiency measures to drive down CO2 emissions. The cooperation agreement between IATA and IETA to build capacity and carbon-offsetting understanding is an important step to helping airlines prepare for the implementation of the CORSIA in the next few years.”
“In addition, by working closely with ICAO in the area of capacity building, I am confident we can also increase the level of voluntary commitments to this comprehensive and environmentally robust global offsetting scheme."
The IATA/IETA workshops are aimed at helping to develop understanding of the emerging principles that will govern CORSIA, and allow industry participants a chance to share experiences and jointly develop approaches to achieving compliance.
“The advent of ICAO’s market mechanism demonstrates the appeal of carbon pricing as an efficient tool to manage greenhouse-gas emissions,” Dirk Forrister, CEO of IETA said. “The aviation industry faces new opportunities and challenges, and IETA is committed to making a success of CORSIA. Our members have many lessons-learned to share from the early experiences in carbon markets. "
The two-day workshops are scheduled to take place in Singapore, Nairobi and Casablanca in February 2017, as well as Geneva and Miami in March 2017.