According to the United States’ Environmental Protection Agency, the aviation industry accounts for 11 percent of all transportation-related emissions in the United States. Presently, there are about 16,000 planes in use around the world. By 2040, more than 50,000 planes could be in service. So, it is very important to take timely steps to address aviation emission problem and think about its carbon footprint. Keeping this in mind, CORSIA deal was signed by 192 member states of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). CORSIA stands for Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation.
How does the scheme work?
The main aim of the CORSIA scheme is to allow the aviation industry to offset any growth in CO2 emissions above 2020 levels. The scheme will be applicable to all international passenger flights, cargo flights and business jets that make up about 60% of aviation emissions. The scheme would be implemented in three phases:
Phase 1
Phase 1, which would be the Pilot Phase, would operate from 2021 to 2023 for states that have volunteered to participate in the scheme.
Phase 2
The second phase would operate from 2024 to 2026. This would also be for the states that voluntarily participate.
Phase 3
Finally, a subsequent mandatory phase would operate from 2027 till 2035.
The scheme would exempt a fair number of states on various bases. Some exemptions include:
- Less Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States
- States that have much less international traffic
CORSIA scheme is a significant step to deal with aviation emissions problems. To discuss the progress made and monitor the steps taken by the countries, aircraft operators around the world hold meetings from time to time. Recently, a meeting was held in Geneva to remind the countries of upcoming milestones. Here’s what was covered in the meeting.
Geneva Meeting – Countdown to CORSIA Milestones
Following are some key issues that were discussed in the meeting held in Geneva:
- Operators will need to start monitoring fuel use and CO2 emissions from all international flights from 1 January 2019. For this purpose, effective monitoring plans need to be developed.
- Training was provided to the operators to develop emission monitoring plans. It got an outstanding response and positive engagement from the operators.
- Nearly 500 people from 250 airlines took the advantage of training workshops.
At the meeting, governments, environmental groups, aviation experts and carbon market experts discussed:
- Plan of action for the next three months
- The readiness of governments and carbon markets for the introduction of CORSIA
- Tools available to help operators comply.
Want to know more about the CORSIA scheme? Read our post here.
