Greenhouse gas emissions from commercial jet engines are significantly contributing to climate change.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirmed large commercial jet engines on aircraft damage the environment, climate and health of the public.

It anticipates the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) will formally adopt the emisisons reduction standards, agreed earlier this year, in March 2017.

The EPA has not yet issued emissions standards for aircraft engines but expects to adopt rules “at least as stringent” as those set by the ICAO.

Janet McCabe, EPA’s Acting Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation, said: “Addressing pollution from aircraft is an important element of US efforts to address climate change. Aircraft are the third largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the US transportation sector and these emissions are expected to increase in the future.

“EPA has already set effective greenhouse gas standards for cars and trucks and any future aircraft engine standards will also provide important climate and public health benefits.”

Today’s findings support the goals of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan to reduce emissions from major sources of carbon pollution.