The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is set to host its second World Sustainability Symposium (WSS) in Miami, USA, from September 24-25, 2024. The event, hosted by American Airlines, will delve into the critical actions required for the airline industry to achieve its ambitious goal of net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050.
The WSS will explore various key elements essential to realizing this target. Decarbonization will be a central theme, with discussions focusing on the development, scaling, and implementation of solutions to reduce aviation's carbon footprint. Building markets for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), carbon removals, and emerging technologies will be a priority, along with addressing the financial challenges associated with such endeavors.
Innovation and technology will also be a focal point. The symposium will examine new aircraft technologies and operational innovations aimed at accelerating the industry's transition to net-zero emissions. Practical considerations for implementing these technologies will be discussed.
The role of policy and regulation in achieving net-zero emissions will be another key topic. Participants will explore the global policy landscape, particularly regarding SAF, and the complexities of harmonizing regulations to facilitate the scaling up of SAF production and deployment.
Finance and transparency will also be addressed. The symposium will delve into the challenges of attracting investments for renewable energy projects and SAF production, and strategies for making these investments more appealing to stakeholders. Transparency will be emphasized as a crucial factor in fostering informed decision-making among investors, airlines, and other stakeholders.
The IATA's World Sustainability Symposium serves as a platform for industry leaders, policymakers, and experts to collaborate and develop strategies for a more sustainable future for aviation. By addressing these critical elements, the industry can make significant strides towards achieving its ambitious net-zero emissions goal.
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