Governments around the world have reached the first ever global agreement to reduce aviation’s carbon emissions.
The deal between 190 governments was hammered out at the International Civil Aviation Organization assembly.
Its resolution called for fuel efficient to be improved by 2% annually to 2050, to cap carbon emissions from 2020 and to achieve a global CO2 standard for aircraft engines by 2012.
The International Air Transport Association welcomed the agreement. Director general Giovanni Bisignani said: "For the first time, we have globally agreed aspirational goals to stabilise emissions.
"No other industry sector has a similar globally agreed framework for managing its response to climate change in a manner that takes into consideration the needs of both developed and developing states.
"Moreover, it recognises the need for governments and industry to work together. This is a good first step that prepares the way for future achievements."
By Linsey McNeill
