Aviation emissions deal anticipated in 2016

Currently, the United Nations (UN) are holding talks in Paris on climate change. However, the aviation industry is not presently covered under the UN talks, and nor is shipping. Despite this, it is hoped that European officials will be able to ensure a paragraph covering these two industries to be inserted.
Despite the exclusion, as senior IATA spokesman has indicated that limits will be set next year on carbon dioxide emissions from aircraft. The aviation industry itself is organized under a different UN body, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The ICAO is working on alternatives for a market-based system which will enable airlines to reduce emissions through buying carbon offsets or allowances, plus the creation of a global CO2 emissions standard for aircraft. It is anticipated the ICAO will be able to reveal their full plans for a system come September 2015.
Michael Gill, Director Aviation Environment at IATA, told journalists in Geneva that “There is genuine momentum building behind the ICAO process and we’re confident there will be a successful outcome at ICAO Assembly.” However, according to Gill, principal hurdles to overcome will be how airlines will measure and report emissions, as well as how it would take into account the variable rates of economic development for both airlines and their countries.
Having flown from Paris to Geneva for the IATA briefing, Gill confirmed that there was a feeling in Paris that things were “in good shape” with regard to a potential global agreement on climate change, before returning to the summit.
Gill also added that IATA anticipates an agreement will be reached by governments on the stringency and the applicability of the CO2 standard in February.