Aviation, Climate Change and Trade: Is Policy Still Up in the Air?

Aviation, Climate Change and Trade: Is Policy Still Up in the Air?
Co-organised with ICTSD
Friday 13 April,
Time: 9:30am – 1:00pm
Venue: Centre International de Conférences (CICG)
Location: Rue de Varembé 17, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland

Aviation is vital for international trade. At the same time, the aviation sector is one of the fastest growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions. While it is necessary to address emissions from the sector in order to mitigate climate change, it has over the years proven incredibly challenging to reach an agreement on how to do this on a global scale. In addition, measures implemented are likely to affect the cost of air transport for goods and people and are thus susceptible of having significant trade effects, something that adds to the challenge.

Recently, the topic has generated considerable tension. This relates particularly to the decision by the European Union to include aviation into its Emissions Trading System (ETS), applicable to all flights that take off from and land in the EU. Indeed, more than 26 countries have joined forces against the EU’s policy and have proposed, amongst others, exploring the compatibility of the measure with WTO law. Against this backdrop, it is crucial to recall the wider challenge of how to effectively address climate change in a manner that is consistent with the legal obligations of countries, without unnecessarily restricting prospects for growth and development through trade.

The objective of the Dialogue is to offer a platform for exchange of views between experts and stakeholders on the regulation of aviation and in particular its effects on trade and the trading system. The meeting will highlight the economic, legal and political aspects of the issue, with the ultimate purpose of contributing to identifying constructive and non-confrontational solutions to the challenges discussed.

For further information email Dr Gehring, mwg24@cam.ac.uk or refer to the ICTSD website http://ictsd.org/i/events/dialogues/130194/