ICAO marks Earth Day 2021 with publications focusing on green airport planning and design

To mark Earth Day 2021 on 22 April 2021, the International Civil Aviation Organization (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 to drive the green recovery of aviation by promoting an ambitious decarbonisation path for the sector, including the promotion of pioneering efforts to support the development of airport infrastructure projects” highlighted ICAO’s 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 (SAF) and clean energy; and modernised, more sustainable infrastructure solutions. 

“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 realisation roadmaps,” explained ICAO’s 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 which can restore the world’s ecosystems.

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