Environment

The ICAO has a year to come up with a framework for aviation emissions, as the EU suspends international flights from its trading scheme

In November the European commission unexpectedly announced it would freeze the application of the EU emissions trading scheme to non-EU flights for a year. 

According to climate commissioner Connie Hedegaard, the decision by the EU will enable the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) time to develop a global framework for a market-based emissions reduction scheme relevant to international aviation.

Industry experts say the EU’s climbdown is a result of pressure from aircraft manufacturers and overwhelming global opposition to the EU’s decision to pull international aviation into the EU ETS. 

Countries such as China, India and the US have consistently opposed the EU ETS decision on the grounds that any agreement on international aviation emissions must be global and come through ICAO.

Most recently, a new US law was enacted that shields US airlines from the EU ETS. While the move will have no immediate effect in light of the EU’s decision it could...