During a recent UN development conference in Seville, Spain, a coalition of eight countries, including France, Kenya, and Barbados, announced plans to implement taxes on premium-class air travel and private jets to fund climate action and sustainable development.

This initiative builds on discussions from COP28 in Dubai in late 2023, where a working group was formed to address the aviation sector's role in combating climate change.

Greenpeace has praised this coalition's initiative as a significant step toward taxing the elite and polluting forms of travel, emphasizing the need for bold actions to hold polluters accountable.

The coalition estimates that comprehensive taxation on air travel could generate approximately 187 billion euros, or around $220 billion, which could be allocated to climate adaptation initiatives.

Ahead of the UN climate summit scheduled for November 2025 in Brazil, the coalition intends to ensure that the aviation sector contributes more to climate adaptation funding.

Proceeds from the proposed taxes are expected to be invested in 'resilient investments and fair transitions' to enhance domestic revenue in poorer nations.

The initiative aims to improve national revenue mobilization in developing countries, fostering international solidarity to help them adapt to climate change effects.

The coalition includes countries like Somalia, Benin, and Antigua and Barbuda, all committed to enhancing the aviation sector's contribution to climate change mitigation.

In addition to air travel taxes, the initiative may expand to include levies on shipping, oil and gas, cryptocurrencies, and wealthier individuals, potentially raising billions in funding.

Kenya's President William Ruto emphasized the need for political will to implement these changes, highlighting expectations for meaningful outcomes.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's office stated that the initiative seeks to improve green taxation and promote international collaboration through more progressive tax systems.

This commitment aligns with the 2015 Paris Agreement, which mandates wealthy nations to financially support poorer countries in adapting to climate change impacts.