United Nations Aviation Organization Imposes New Standards On Commercial Air To Cut Carbon Dioxide Emissions

by Jean Marie Abellana / Feb 10, 2016 01:09 PM EST

The aviation sector presently accounts for under 2 percent of the annual carbon dioxide emissions in the world. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)

The United Nations International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has released new emission standards for large commercial aircrafts in order to trim reduce carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 650 million tons between the years 2020 and 2040.

While the rules may apply to all sizes of commercial carriers, it will be phased in specifically for aircraft models that will be launched in 2020 and those that are being engineered for 2023, as reported by Time on Monday. ICAO also recommended that the cut-off date for non-compliant planes shall be on 2028.

The initiative was drafted after several United Nations member countries cooperated during the U.N. Conference in Paris to become active participants in global efforts to combat the effects of climate change.

"Our sector presently accounts for under 2 percent of the world's annual CO₂ emissions," ICAO council president Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu said, as quoted by Business Travel News. "But we also recognize that the projected doubling of global passengers and flights by 2030 must be managed responsibly and sustainably."

Aliu added that the goal was to guarantee reductions in carbon emissions from the next generation of aircraft models.

Several environmental advocates applauded the agreement saying the organization is in the "right direction" and is taking a "positive step" to reduce carbon dioxide emissions contributed largely by the aviation industry.

"Having more efficient aircraft take to the sky can help airlines begin to slow aviation's skyrocketing climate pollution," said Annie Petsonk of the Environment Defense Fund International Counsel.

Meanwhile, the standards still need approval from the 36 member states of the International Civil Aviation Organization governing body. The initiative will be finalized later this year. Reuters reported yesterday that said standards, should it be given final approval, shall subject all national aviation authorities across global regions and countries to adhere and comply.