Europe’s aviation is now prioritising sustainability

Flying is a highly controversial topic in climate debates. However, aviation accounts for around 2% of global carbon emissions.

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The aviation sector has a responsibility to reduce its impact on the environment by implementing measures that reduce carbon emissions. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has implemented a climate action framework for the aviation sector to reduce its impact.

This will be achieved through a combination of measures, including the use of new-generation aircraft which produce lower carbon emissions, as well as through improved operations and efficient infrastructure. One other important way to achieve cleaner skies is through the use of sustainable fuels.

AVIATION EMISSIONS

Europe is one of the world’s regions where carbon emissions from aviation are relatively higher than in other parts of the globe.

Aviation emissions in Europe were reportedly on an upward trajectory for the period between 2013 and 2019 with carbon emissions of around five percent per year.

This declined slightly when travel restrictions were put in place during the pandemic. However, these curbs have generally now been lifted, and aviation is rebounding.

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CARBON-REDUCTION GOALS

NEWS 24 reports that lawmakers and member state governments in the European Union have reached an agreement on improving aviation sustainability in European skies.

The agreement is part of the European Union’s transition to a net carbon-neutral future and follows a major reform of the EU’s carbon market that now includes sea and air transport sectors.

The European Parliament and the European Council, which represents member states, must still formally adopt the measure before it is put into law for all countries in the bloc.

SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUELS

The European Commission said the drive to increase the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) would cut aircraft carbon dioxide emissions by two-thirds by 2050.

“This agreement provides certainty for the SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) industry and airlines alike,” Head of aviation industry group Airlines for Europe, Laurent Donceel, said, per AFP.

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This article was originally published by Lorne Philpot.