UN body reaches long-term aviation climate goal of net zero by 2050

theguardian.com:

A United Nations body has agreed to a long-term aspirational goal for aviation of net-zero emissions by 2050, despite challenges from China and Russia, as countries aligned overwhelmingly with airlines amid pressure to curb pollution from flights.

Nevertheless, environmentalists criticised the non-binding nature of the agreement as toothless.

The decision, described as a compromise by several European countries who wanted a more ambitious target, was met with applause by members at the 193-nation International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) assembly, held every three years.

China, backed by Russia and Eritrea, questioned the feasibility of the goal without more evidence, and argued developed countries must provide financial support to developing nations who are still growing their aviation markets.

An ICAO preparatory meeting in July had laid the groundwork for the non-binding target, after years of talks.

Airlines last year adopted a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 in a de facto dress rehearsal that drew reservations from Chinese carriers, reflecting Beijing’s more cautious stance on multilateral action.

Airlines pushed for global action to avoid countries imposing different rules and fees to curb emissions.

“While the agreement is not perfect, it builds upon the notable progress we have made in recent decades and will prevent a patchwork of global measures,” said US airline trade group Airlines for America.

The assembly also approved changes to the baseline of ICAO’s flagship aviation emissions agreement known as Corsia.

ICAO cannot impose rules but its decisions influence national policies. Officials hope a global target set through ICAO will go beyond industry announcements to boost supplies of new sustainable