As we soar through the azure expanse, a question emerges: can the aviation sector reconcile its remarkable feats with the environmental toll it exacts? Responsible for around 2.5 per cent of global CO2 emissions, the ascent of aviation has transformed the world, connecting continents and cultures. Yet, beneath the marvels of modern flight lies an undeniable impact on our planet's delicate climate balance. Greenhouse gases spewed by jet engines contribute to the broader issue of global warming, leaving us with a paradoxical challenge. Can this industry, a symbol of human progress, confront its own carbon footprint?
Consider the staggering statistics that paint the portrait of the ecological implications of aviation. Among all greenhouse gases, aviation constitutes a considerable 9 per cent of emissions, with CO2 accounting for 5 per cent. More than just carbon emissions, aviation bears the weight of 5 per cent of 'effective radiative forcing'—a comprehensive measure of its impact on global warming. A glimpse into the future paints an even grimmer picture: the European Commission forecasts a potential 300 per cent surge in the greenhouse gas emissions of aviation by the mid-21st century, a stark reminder of the urgency to act.
The realisation of the role of aviation in climate change culminated in the 2016 watershed moment—the adoption of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). For the first time in history, an industry, synonymous with reaching new heights, reached a global consensus to address its carbon emissions. CORSIA emerged as a beacon of collaborative effort, a shining example of a market-based approach to climate change mitigation.
Yet, CORSIA is more than a mere acronym. It embodies a commitment to stabilise net CO2 emissions from international aviation. It stands as a testament to the understanding that technological advancements and operational efficiencies, while essential, are insufficient to meet the lofty climate targets set before us. This innovative framework represents a harmonious synthesis of ambition and pragmatism, aimed at aligning the trajectory of aviation with a greener horizon.
At the heart of CORSIA lies the concept of carbon offsetting, a strategy that doesn't replace industry efforts but compliments them. By investing in projects that reduce emissions elsewhere, the aviation sector aims to strike a balance between the skies it traverses and the earth it traverses. To ensure the environmental integrity of CORSIA, the ICAO Council meticulously evaluated eligible emissions units. Principles like additionality—ensuring emission reductions beyond business-as-usual—and permanence—committing to lasting reductions—define the criteria, ensuring that CORSIA truly delivers on its promise.
02/10/2023 Dr. Fauzia Khan , Dr. Kaviraj Singh/BW Legal World
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