Greenhouse gas emissions from aviation are expected to rise as international air travel recovers after the COVID-19 restrictions.
Since 2000 aviation emissions have doubled. Climate action tracker rates the industry's climate performance as insufficient.
Can aviation make the transition to a low-carbon future as the climate change threat gets worse? The industry is currently experiencing significant technological and energy disruption that suggests a future like this is possible.
There are still significant challenges. Consumers can also play their part in achieving a net-zero aviation sector.
Better to build back.
The aviation sector has made slow progress in cutting emissions. In February of last year, research on the world's largest 58 airlines found that even the best-performing ones were not doing enough to cut emissions.
At the COP26 climate change summit in Glasgow, the industry simply renewed their commitment to the plan known as theCarbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation.
The scheme relies on carbon offsetting, which pays another actor to reduce emissions on its behalf at the lowest cost, and doesn't lead to absolute emissions reduction in aviation. The level of emissions reduction between fuels varies considerably, but the scheme encourages alternative cleaner fuels.
Governments have generally failed to provide strong leadership to help the aviation sector. This is because pollution from international aviation is not counted in the emissions ledger of any country, leaving little incentive for governments to act. Aviation is a policy space that involves multiple actors around the world. The aviation and travel sector has been badly affected by COVID-19.
A series on decarbonizing aviation was held by the university. The sessions explored the most promising policy and practical developments for net-zero aviation.
The aviation sector has been affected by COVID-19. Steven Senne.
The nations are soaring ahead.
Some governments are leading the way in changing the aviation industry. The Swedish aviation industry developed a road map for fossil-free domestic flights by 2030 and for all flights from Sweden to be fossil-free by 2045 as a result of the government policy to make Sweden climate-neutral.
Replacing jet fuel with alternative fuels is required to achieve fossil-free flights.
Current tax exemptions for jet fuel will be ended by the European Union.
The United Kingdom is working on a strategy for net-zero aviation by the year 2050 and a public body called UK Research and Innovation is supporting the development of new aviation technologies.
Australia does not have a framework to help transition the aviation industry. Reducing carbon emissions is one of the goals of theEmerging Aviation Technology Program. It seems to have a strong focus on drones and air vehicles, rather than fixed-wing aircraft.
Some governments are leading the way in changing the aviation industry. The person is Zhao Xiaojun.
Building tomorrow's aircraft.
The last five years have seen the development of low-emissions aircraft technology. Electric and hybrid aircraft, as well as sustainable aviation fuels, are included in the advancement.
Only battery and hydrogen-electric options can reduce non-CO2 climate impacts such as oxides of nitrogen, soot particles, and water vapor.
To be net-zero emissions, electric aircraft must be powered by renewable energy sources. Electric and hydrogen aircraft are likely to have lower energy and maintenance costs than conventional aircraft.
Electric and hybrid aircraft are expected to be available for short-haul, commuter, air taxi, helicopter, and general flights. Increased use of sustainable aviation fuel is likely.
Commercial operations of electric planes are not expected until at least 2023 as the aircraft must undergo rigorous testing, safety, and certification.
Some governments are leading the way in changing the aviation industry.
Coming turbulence.
Significant strategic and practical challenges remain despite real efforts by some industry leaders and governments to make aviation a net-zero industry. It is not happening quickly enough.
To help decarbonize aviation in Australia, industry and government should develop a clear strategy for emissions reduction with interim targets. The industry would be on track for net-zero emissions by the year 2050.
There is also need for strategic attention and action.
Development and innovation of aircraft and fuel.
New types of aircraft need to be updated with regulatory and certification processes.
Production and deployment of new aviation fuels and technologies should be improved.
Air traffic management can reduce fuel demand.
Airport operations and infrastructure should be made more green.
With pilots and engineers, build capability.
The emissions created by flights can vary greatly. Consumers can offset the emissions of their flight by opting for the lowest-impact option. Only airlines and operators that have committed to net-zero emissions can be flown by consumers.
To make net-zero aviation a reality, emissions reduction must be at the heart of aviation.
The article was written by Emma Rachel Whittlesea, Senior Research Fellow, and Tim Ryley, Professor and Head of Griffith Aviation.
The Conversation's article is a Creative Commons licensed one. The original article can be found here.
