Miami to host second IATA World Sustainability symposium

Miami is set to host the second World Sustainability Symposium (WSS) on September 24-25, 2024. This event, led by American Airlines, will focus on the aviation industry’s ambitious goal of achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

The symposium will address critical issues such as decarbonisation, technological innovation, policy development, and financial challenges. It aims to establish clear guidelines and goals to drive the industry towards its sustainability targets.

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Willie Walsh, Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), highlighted the event’s importance, stating, “Sustainability is an existential challenge not just for humanity, but for our industry. Achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 is a complex task, but through collaboration with the broader aviation sector and government support, we will succeed. The WSS provides a unique platform to unite stakeholders, align objectives, and take decisive actions to accelerate our progress.”

The symposium will build on the success of last year’s inaugural event in Madrid. This year’s discussions will explore how the aviation industry can achieve net-zero emissions, focusing on scaling and delivering solutions such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and emerging technologies.

Participants will also examine advancements in aircraft technology, assessing how these innovations can help meet the industry’s net-zero targets. Additionally, the event will delve into the development of policies around SAF and the challenges of creating global standards to enhance SAF production and usage.

Financial issues will also be a key topic, with discussions on overcoming investment hurdles in renewable energy and SAF production. Strategies for attracting capital, managing risks, and fostering innovation will be explored.

Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Chief Economist, emphasised the urgency of the mission: “The WSS seeks to bring together decision-makers from all sectors to support the decarbonization of air transportation. This transition impacts global, regional, and local economies and requires radical collaboration across technology, policy, and finance. The urgency is clear as we have just 25 years to develop new markets and innovations to meet our goals.”