“During the COP/15 meeting, we have heard scientific, economic and political views – some in agreement and some holding divergent opinions – on the ‘why, what, and how’ of tackling climate change. All, however, seem to agree on one point: now is the time to act. Finding the best long-term solutions will remain an evolving process that picks up steam over the next several months and even years. ACI pledges to continue to pursue industry collaboration through ICAO and with our aviation partners in promoting sensible governmental action as well as achieving reductions in emissions. But we need not wait for a top-down agenda that will take time to agree by all parties. Already today, aviation partners have many tools in hand, and I call on them to keep up the momentum.

“I encourage airports to continue their commitment to a step-by-step approach of investing in and implementing known strategies that produce results. Airports can point to many terrific success stories, efforts that produce measurable energy savings, whether that comes from alternative energies, insulation, air conditioning and heating systems, lighting or new building materials. They are adopting new alternative energies on the tarmac to power airport vehicles, supplying power to aircraft and reducing taxiing for aircraft. They are working with local authorities on increasing public transportation options to and from the airport. At the same time, airports remain ever mindful that noise and local air quality are two of the greatest concerns of communities in every locality. We exist to serve those communities, and we will continue to work to safeguard those values.

“This is not about a solo performance. This is about innovative collaboration, consensus and sometimes, of course, compromise to meet shared goals. It entails best practice guidance. It is built on successful partnering experiments with air traffic management providers, the airlines and other service providers at the airport. These efforts need to be shared more widely, tested and adopted when judged right for the airport and the community.

“And we need governments to support these efforts. They have done much to restore the strength of financial services and re-launch global economies. At the same time, politicians must recognize that aviation is an integral part of that renewal and that national and international markets require robust infrastructure for any upswing in business activity. Aviation is a conduit for growth, employment and market development, so when considering next steps and new measures to rein in climate change, politicians must not kill the messenger by suffocation.

“When COP/15 got underway, ACI confirmed our conviction that ‘green growth’ lies at the core of a sustainable vision for the future. I am convinced that today we can combine steady step-by-step progress, at which individual airports excel, with industry and government commitment to invest in the development of breakthrough technologies, and in doing so we will set an achievable course to carbon neutrality.”