The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has released its 2013 Environment Report on developments related to aviation and the environment during the period of 2011 to 2013.

The 2013 Environment Report consolidates information on the work of ICAO and its member States involved in aviation and the environment, with a focus on climate change issues.

The Report which was made available to the Ghana News Agency on Saturday comprises eight chapters and considers in greater detail the following six themes: present and future trends in traffic, noise, and emissions; the mitigation of aviation's impact on aircraft noise, local air quality and global emissions; initiatives taken by the Organization in support of State action plans; avenues for assistance and financing for international aviation emissions reduction; adaptation issues related to aviation; and ICAO's partnerships and cooperation with other organizations.

It also considers general developments towards a more sustainable air transport sector, highlighting the increased use of low-carbon technology, new aircraft systems and sustainable energy sources.

The report opens with an Aviation and Environment Outlook, and reviews air traffic and fleet forecasts, environmental trends in aviation to 2050, and options to assist carbon emission management at airports.

It said international aviation fuel efficiency will continue improving through 2050, but that additional measures will be required to achieve the 2 per cent annual fuel efficiency goal.

In its review of local air quality, the report considers progress towards the development of a particulate matter standard for aircraft gas turbine engines and a nitrogen oxides technology review.

In its global emissions review, the report reviews progress on key areas of work requested under the 37th Assembly Resolution A37-19 (ICAO policies and practices related to environmental protection – Climate change). It highlights the development of a carbon dioxide emissions certification standard for aircraft, operational measures and sustainable alternative fuels for aviation.

On assistance and financing, the report considers examples and possibilities for climate financing, through various sources, to assist States in the development and implementation of their action plans. The Report materials were selected to support the decisions and deliberations of ICAO member States at the 2013 Assembly.