The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has proclaimed that India will begin participating in the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and the Long-Term Aspirational Goals (LTAG) by 2027. This participation comes at a pivotal time when efforts are globally on to reduce carbon emissions, especially from sectors like aviation that contribute significantly to global warming.
Understanding CORSIA and LTAG
CORSIA and LTAG are strategic initiatives developed by the ICAO, the United Nations’ specialized agency created in 1944 to promote safe, secure, and efficient air transportation globally. The two aspirational goals aim to mitigate carbon emissions from the aviation sector impacting climate change.
The CORSIA initiative aims to stabilize net CO2 emissions at 2020 levels through various methods, including carbon offsetting, carbon credits, and sustainable aviation fuel. This is only applicable to flights deployed from one country to another. On the other hand, the 41st ICAO Assembly adopted LTAG to support net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 in line with the UNFCCC Paris Agreement’s temperature goal. LTAG does not assign specific emissions reduction commitments to individual States but acknowledges each State’s unique circumstances and respective capabilities.
ICAO – Ensuring Global Aviation Standards
ICAO is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, and functions to develop international standards and recommended practices for aviation. This includes regulations for air navigation, communication, airport operations, etc. It also addresses global aviation issues such as air traffic management, aviation security, and environmental protection.
Potential Advantages For Joining CORSIA And LTAG
India’s decision to participate in CORSIA and LTAG could prove beneficial in many ways. For instance, these initiatives could help India reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, a critical aspect of combating climate change and protecting the environment.
Moreover, as these initiatives encourage airlines to adopt more sustainable practices—like using efficient aircraft, reducing fuel consumption, and investing in renewable energy—they could help India achieve its ambitious target of achieving Net Zero by 2070.
Impact Of Aviation Sector On Climate
The aviation sector significantly contributes to climate change due to its massive greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide, produced by burning fossil fuels in aircraft engines. Additionally, factors like contrails—the white streaky lines that airplanes leave in the sky—and cirrus clouds formed from aircraft emissions have a warming effect on the planet as they trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.
Key Initiatives By MoCA To Reduce Carbon Emissions
To combat these inevitable but potentially harmful effects of aviation on the environment, the MoCA has taken several significant measures:
Green Airports: The concept of green airports is being promoted to reduce airports’ environmental impact and promote sustainable development. Green airports aim to minimize their carbon footprint, conserve energy and water resources, and reduce waste and emissions.
National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016: NCAP includes a goal of developing a sustainable aviation framework that promotes the use of alternative fuels, energy-efficient aircraft, and infrastructure, among other things.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): Initiatives to encourage the use of SAF have been undertaken, aiming to foster sustainable development and reduced carbon emissions at airports.
