A new report concludes that the UN aviation agency has been heavily influenced by industry interests, which has blocked urgently needed action to reduce the sector’s high carbon emissions.
The report found that at a recent environmental meeting of the UN International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), industry delegates outnumbered climate experts by 14 to one. ICAO is the main forum where countries set rules for international aviation.
The analysis, by the think tank InfluenceMap, concluded that ICAO’s climate policies are weak and reflect the priorities of powerful aviation industry groups like the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents 350 airlines. ICAO’s highest-level meeting, held every three years, begins this Tuesday.
The report also criticizes ICAO for a lack of transparency compared to other UN bodies. Climate policy meetings are closed to the media, and delegates must sign non-disclosure agreements. This gives an advantage to groups opposing strong climate action, as they avoid public accountability, the analysts said.
As a result, independent experts at Climate Action Tracker rate international aviation climate policy as “critically insufficient,” aligning with global warming of over 4°C.
Lucca Ewbank, transport manager at InfluenceMap, said: “Our report shows clear evidence of corporate influence. Industry lobbyists continue to dominate ICAO’s decision-making through closed-door meetings. For aviation to address the climate crisis, ICAO must change course.”
Aviation produces more climate pollution per mile than any other form of transport and is dominated by wealthy travelers—just 1% of the world’s population accounts for half of all aviation emissions. Despite the urgent need to cut carbon, ICAO predicts passenger numbers will double by 2042, and without strong action, emissions could double or triple by 2050.
The industry argues that more efficient planes, sustainable fuels, and ICAO’s carbon offsetting program can control emissions.
But independent experts say these measures are unlikely to compensate for the rapid growth in air travel. For example, the offsetting scheme, Corsia, has not yet required any airline to use carbon credits, and improvements in fuel efficiency are slowing. Experts insist that curbing aviation growth is essential to meeting climate goals.
Ewbank added: “Airlines and industry groups are ignoring warning signs and putting their interests ahead of necessary emissions cuts. After years of discussion, they have only weak offsetting policies and non-binding targets to show.”
An ICAO spokesperson said the organization is committed to increasing transparency as part of a “cultural transformation” started in 2022. Next week’s assembly will review progress and decide on next steps. Resolutions will support ICAO’s long-term goal of zero fatalities and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The spokesperson noted that assembly outcomes and decisions are open and broadcast to all.
The spokesperson also explained that developing technical standards requires input from industry experts and may involve commercially sensitive information, which is subject to confidentiality rules. ICAO strongly encourages…He said, “All stakeholders need to advocate, especially now when air transport is dealing with major opportunities and challenges.”
According to the InfluenceMap report, at the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) environmental talks in February, 72 delegates—31% of the total—represented industry trade associations. These included employees from fossil fuel companies like ExxonMobil and Chevron, as well as aircraft manufacturers Airbus and Boeing. In contrast, only five delegates (2%) represented environmental groups.
Most of the remaining delegates (57%) were from national governments, though eight of these were also employed by aviation or fossil fuel companies. One trade association for aircraft manufacturers had 41 delegates, more than any single country’s delegation.
Industry influence has grown since the last major environmental meeting in 2022, where aviation industry delegates outnumbered environmental representatives by 10 to one.
ICAO and the global aviation industry have set a goal to reach net zero emissions by 2050. However, the International Energy Agency reported in January that aviation is “not on track” to meet this target.
The InfluenceMap report also notes that industry support for the 2050 goal seems to be fading. Willie Walsh, head of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), recently called for the target to be “re-evaluated,” citing airline concerns about rising costs. A 2022 report found that the industry has missed all but one of its 50 climate targets over the past two decades. IATA did not respond to requests for comment.
Aviation fuel is typically untaxed, and new fees to fund climate action are being discussed at high levels. However, in April, ICAO urged member states to lobby the UN climate body and other organizations to oppose such proposals.
ICAO has faced widespread criticism over its climate policies, even from within the industry. In May, a group of aviation professionals stated that the industry is “failing dramatically” in addressing its role in the climate crisis.
ICAO’s carbon offsetting program, Corsia, is also under fire. Marte van der Graaf from the think tank Transport & Environment said, “Corsia offsets don’t actually reduce emissions. They often rely on questionable ‘avoided deforestation’ schemes based on predictions that are little better than astrology.” IATA warned on Wednesday that there could be a “terrifying” shortage of approved offsets after Corsia’s voluntary phase ends in 2027.
Ewbank emphasized that ICAO must “prioritize public interests, science-based policies, and open negotiations. This would allow independent experts and civil society to work with the industry in good faith, so the industry can start taking real responsibility for aviation’s climate impact.”This ensures that no one can tell you are communicating with us, much less what you are saying.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the influence of industry interests on the UN aviation agency designed to be clear and accessible
General Beginner Questions
1 What is the UN aviation agency
The International Civil Aviation Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations It creates the global standards and recommended practices that countries follow to ensure safe secure efficient and environmentally responsible air transport
2 How can industry interests influence a UN agency
Industry groups have significant expertise funding and a strong stake in the rules being made They participate in ICAO meetings provide technical data and lobby national delegations to advocate for standards that align with their business interests
3 Isnt industry input a good thing Dont they have the best technical knowledge
Yes their technical expertise is essential for creating practical and effective regulations The concern isnt about their participation but about the balance of influence The problem arises if commercial interests overshadow the primary goals of safety security and environmental protection for the public good
4 Whats a simple example of this influence
A common example is in environmental policy Aviation industry groups often advocate for slower timelines on adopting stricter emissions standards or more lenient carbon offsetting programs arguing that faster action is too costly or technologically unfeasible
Advanced Specific Questions
5 What are the specific mechanisms of industry influence at ICAO
Lobbying National Delegations Companies lobby their own countrys representatives to push for their preferred policies at ICAO meetings
Seats on Official Delegations Industry experts are often included as formal advisors on national delegations giving them a direct voice in negotiations
Providing Technical Data They commission and present studies that support their positions which can be difficult for underresourced environmental or consumer groups to counter
Observer Status Many industry associations have official observer status at ICAO allowing them to attend meetings and submit working papers
6 Does this influence compromise aviation safety
ICAOs safety standards are widely regarded as robust The intense focus on safety is a shared goal between regulators and industry as accidents are terrible for business The influence is more frequently critiqu
