Nations Agree to Curb Emissions From Flying by 2050

After almost a decade of talks, the nations of the world committed Friday to drastically lower emissions of planet-warming gases from the world's airplanes by midcentury.

The aviation industry needs to step up its climate efforts if it is to reach the goal of zero emissions. Companies used to rely on tree-planting programs or technology to remove carbon dioxide from the air.

To get to net zero, companies and governments would need to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in more efficient planes and cleaner fuels. Even those investments aren't likely to be enough to convince countries and companies to adopt policies to curb flying itself, such as scrapping fuel subsidies or ending frequent flier programs.

The majority of global air travel takes place in the richest countries. According to the International Council on Clean Transportation, 80 percent of flights are taken by the richest 20 percent of people. 40 percent of the flights are taken by the 2 percent of frequent fliers.

"To build room for poorer countries to grow their aviation sectors, richer countries will need to peak emissions even faster."

Commercial aviation emissions increased more than 30 percent over the previous decade before the corona virus hit and traffic fell. Air travel has returned with a vengeance, making action to address emissions imperative.

The aviation industry has been slow to address its emissions, which aren't covered by the Paris accord. The Climate talks have been overseen by the International Civil Aviation Organization. Less wealthy nations argue that they shouldn't face the same restrictions as richer nations in global climate negotiations.

At the talks in Montreal this week, India and China argued that their air carriers would need until 2060 or 2070 to achieve net zero emissions if they wanted to continue flying.

There is no guarantee that the target will be successful. The Paris agreement gave no authority to set policy. The agreement doesn't assign targets to specific countries or airline companies and leaves the task of setting rules to member states.

Climate activists, including the Swedish environmentalist who inspired a worldwide no-fly campaign, have highlighted aviation's contribution to climate change.

The European Union wants to end tax exemptions for jet fuel and impose taxes on carbon emissions. Short-haul flights would be banned in France. There are subsidies for sustainable aviation fuel in the United States.