18th October 2017
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Member States rejected plans for 50% of aviation fuel to be supplied by biofuels by 2050.
This is due in no small part to the letter opposing these plans co-ordinated by Biofuelwatch and signed by 96 civil society organisations from across the globe (see below), as well as a petition co-ordinated by Rainforest Rescue and signed by over 180,000 [1].
Instead, the ICAO have only agreed that conventional jet fuels should be replaced by “sustainable alternatives” to a “significant percentage” by 2050.
The opposition to the plans generated significant news coverage from a number of global news outlets and industry bodies.
We’re glad the ICAO has showed a modicum of sense on this issue. This is a significant victory and shows what campaigning can achieve. Congratulations to all involved!
However, even if biofuels make up a small proportion of aviation fuel, this still would have negative impacts on forests, biodiversity and farming via land-grabs and deforestation. We must remain vigilant to ensure this plan doesn’t rear its head again, and to fight for a proper climate deal which regulates the aviation sector so that we can keep warming below 2 degrees. This deal cannot rely on biofuels nor offsetting, but must stop and then reverse aviation growth. This will require ending subsidies – including tax exemptions – for aviation, ending airport expansion, and investing in alternatives, including rail transport.
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