Non CO2 Aviation Emissions
While there is substantial understanding of the components of aviation's climate impacts, particularly CO2 emissions, important uncertainties remain in quantifying some of aviation's non-CO2 climate terms and in the underlying physical processes
As the science evolves, ICAO continues to assess the situation, identifying where action can be taken.
- Since the 1970s, ICAO has developed measures to limit or reduce the impact of aviation emissions, including nvPM, on local air quality (LAQ). More information can be found on the following page: Local Air Quality (icao.int)
- The CAEP Impacts and Science Group (ISG) aims at providing the best possible consensus information from the science community to CAEP on aviation's impacts on climate, air quality and noise issues. More information on the ISG work can be found on the following page: CAEP Impacts and Science Group (icao.int)
- The CAEP Working Group 2 (WG2, Airports and Operations) includes in its work programme a task related to Operational Opportunities to Reduce Non-CO2 Effects On Climate Change / Contrails and Aviation Induced Cirrus. More information can be found on the following page: CAEP Working Group 2 (icao.int)
- ICAO held the 2024 ICAO Symposium on Non-CO₂ Aviation Emissions, which aimed to raise awareness of all interested parties on non-CO₂ emissions from aviation operations and create synergies between different stakeholders.
- More information on aviation impact on climate change can be found on the following page: Scientific Understanding (icao.int)
Complementing these initiatives, ICAO is closely taking stock of the scientific knowledge on non-CO2 effects through the new Tracker of Aviation Non-CO2 emissions initiatives, which is following up the developments on research and initiatives that are addressing these emissions and related effects.