ICAO marks Earth Day 2021 with new eco-airport publications

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To mark Earth Day 2021, ICAO has released two publications as part of its Eco-Airport Toolkit e-collection focusing on climate resilient airports and water management at airports. Each publication provides States with practical information for decision-makers engaged in green airport planning and design.

“The pace of innovation in all aspects of aviation is unparalleled, and ICAO has been helping drive the green recovery of aviation by promoting an ambitious decarbonization path for the sector including the promotion of pioneering efforts to support the development of airport infrastructure projects” highlighted ICAO Council President Salvatore Sciacchitano.

ICAO continues to engage with all stakeholders to facilitate the acceleration of greener technologies and initiatives, including the development of electric and hydrogen planes, new processes for generating sustainable aviation fuels and clean energy, and modernized, more sustainable infrastructure solutions.

A series of ICAO monthly pre-stocktaking webinars have been held to collect and share these green solutions, moving toward the 2021 ICAO Stocktaking event which will take place from 31 August to 2 September 2021, followed by a green recovery policy day on 3 September 2021.

“Following a request from the 40th Session of the ICAO Assembly, and inspired by several announcements for zero carbon emission by 2050, ICAO is currently assessing the feasibility of a climate global long-term aspirational goal for international aviation, along with realization roadmaps,” stressed ICAO Deputy Director for Environmental Protection, Jane Hupe.

Celebrated yearly on 22 April, Earth Day has been held since 1970 to remind us of the unique environmental challenges, and to continually make smart investments in sustainable technology, forward-thinking public policy, and in environmental awareness and education. The theme for Earth Day 2021 is “Restore Our Earth”, which focuses on natural processes, emerging green technologies, and innovative thinking that can restore the world’s ecosystems.

“The earth’s environment is our future, and this is a defining moment to protect it,” noted ICAO Secretary General Fang Liu. “The science says we need to do more, the technology says it is possible. This requires all of us to work together as a global community in an unprecedented manner, coming together every day in the spirit of Earth Day, to make the dream of a sustainable world a reality.”