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The View | Climate change: is the aviation industry all talk and no action?
- A scheme to address carbon emissions has drawn criticism for its voluntary entry and rules that let airlines put off action until global demand recovers
- Amid a dearth of zero-emission planes and sustainable fuel, better air traffic management and investment are needed to reach the industry’s goals
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After global leaders wrapped up the UN climate change conference in Glasgow, the aviation industry is among those closely anticipating how the commitments will affect carbon regulations that have been scaled up in the past few years.
Commercial aviation contributes around 2 per cent of global carbon emissions. Although this is relatively small compared with emissions from energy use in buildings and industry combined (around 42 per cent) or even fashion (10 per cent), aviation has still received heavy scrutiny in part because of its association with the congestion and pollution caused by mass tourism.
In response to growing criticism, the International Civil Aviation Organization developed the Carbon Offset and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (Corsia) in 2016. Under the scheme, the industry set targets to cap carbon emissions at 2019 levels and halve carbon dioxide emissions by 2050 compared to 2005 levels.
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Airlines registered in participating countries would have to meet Corsia targets, starting with reporting requirements to eventually offsetting their contributions to atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Corsia has had its fair share of sceptics since its adoption. Among the criticism is that it set no emissions-cutting targets. The scheme is also voluntary until 2027, when it becomes mandatory. At present, it does not include China and India.
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China plans to add over 30 new airports to its aviation network by 2025
China plans to add over 30 new airports to its aviation network by 2025
With offsetting baselines set at the 2019 peak – just before air travel demand collapsed amid the Covid-19 pandemic – airlines can technically put off action until global demand recovers to pre-pandemic levels.
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