The European Union is looking to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to progress its decision on a global scheme to curb airline emissions, following inconclusive talks in Montreal this week.

 

The threat of a looming trade war over the pending EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) has increased pressure on the ICAO to deliver a solution for global carbon reductions across the sector.

The Commission has repeatedly stressed that the only reason for it to modify its law requiring airlines to buy allowances under its EU ETS would be if the ICAO agrees a global plan.

Talks this week in Montreal eliminated one of four market-based schemes under discussion, however faster progress is required if a global solution is to be sought.

"By narrowing down the market-based options on the table, ICAO is making some progress towards the long-awaited global deal to curb aviation emissions," Climate Commissioner Connie Hedegaard said on Thursday in a statement.

But she said she was looking to ICAO "to reach conclusions" at its November meeting. ICAO's secretary-general told Reuters earlier this month that he did not expect to have a draft proposal ready until March 2013.

 

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