The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released its updated Policy and Finance Net Zero Roadmaps, offering a deeper dive into the strategies needed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in the aviation sector by 2050. These roadmaps emphasize the crucial role of collaboration and urgency in achieving this ambitious goal.
“The updated IATA Policy and Finance Net Zero Roadmaps make it clear that decarbonization by 2050 is possible. They also sound a warning bell that, to achieve this, all stakeholders, particularly policymakers, must collaborate more broadly and act with greater urgency.” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
The Policy Roadmap underscores the importance of strategic policy sequencing and global collaboration that extends beyond the aviation industry. It recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and policies must be inclusive to encourage the participation of all nations in the future global Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) market.
The Finance Roadmap presents a comprehensive view of the necessary investments to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050, outlining the financial burden airlines will face in adopting new solutions. It emphasizes the required number of biorefineries, highlighting their potential to benefit energy transitions across all industries. This shared objective should inspire unity among policymakers.
“The costs and challenges associated with the energy transition are large, but the opportunities are even greater. Countries have an opportunity to build new industries in agriculture and energy, and to benefit from the catalytic growth impact of sustainable air transport. To realize the opportunities, we need all minds to unite in this mission, and all policymakers, multilateral organizations, investors, solution providers, and the air transport industry to work together. Such transformative collaboration can pool resources and target meaningful action for greater impact. This is what is needed to deliver a sustainable air transport industry by 2050,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Sustainability and Chief Economist.
