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Tourism

Travel and Tourism Sector Urges Governments to Decarbonize Aviation and Reach Net Zero by 2050

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The U.S. travel and tourism sector is significantly impacted by greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is attending the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) 41st Assembly in Montreal, calling on governments to agree on an emissions reduction target for global aviation. WTTC is urging all Member States to support the 'Carbon Offsetting & Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA)' and the 'Long Term Aspirational Goal' (LTAG) to reach net zero by 2050, in line with the Paris Climate Agreement. The sector is committed to reducing emissions and believes that a worldwide agreement on a net zero future for aviation is crucial for protecting the planet and maintaining global connectivity.

Key Takeaways:

  • WTTC is urging governments to agree on an emissions reduction target for global aviation by supporting the 'Carbon Offsetting & Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA)' and the 'Long Term Aspirational Goal' (LTAG).
  • The global tourism body believes ICAO's 41st Assembly will be a crucial step towards a more sustainable sector and can set a global example as the world's only industry fully aligned and committed to net zero action across borders.
  • WTTC launched the 'Net Zero Roadmap for Travel & Tourism', an ambitious guide for the sector in its battle against climate change, setting out emissions reductions for each industry within the travel and tourism sector.
  • The roadmap includes hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, and tour operators, providing a clear roadmap on how to decarbonize the sector.
  • WTTC is urging ICAO and its 193 Member States to adopt the WTTC Net Zero Roadmap as a contributor to international aviation's emissions reduction plans.
  • Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, comments that governments have a historic opportunity to sign a worldwide agreement on a net zero future for aviation, with the aviation industry fully committed to reducing its emissions.

Statistics:

  • The travel and tourism sector is significantly impacted by greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change.
  • ICAO's 41st Assembly will involve 193 countries gathering for talks on the future of aviation.
  • The Paris Climate Agreement calls for net zero emissions by 2050.
  • The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) urges ICAO and its 193 Member States to adopt the WTTC Net Zero Roadmap as a contributor to international aviation's emissions reduction plans.

Sources:

  • World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) official statement during ICAO's 41st Assembly.
  • International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) official documents related to CORSIA and LTAG.
  • US Eturbo News, "WTTC Calls on Governments to Agree on Emissions Reduction Target for Global Aviation"

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