The aviation industry faces a critical challenge in addressing carbon emissions and reducing its environmental impact. While sustainable fuels are seen as a long-term solution, the process of developing and implementing them will take time. This was emphasised during a webinar held by the Aito Climate Crisis Think Tank, which stressed the importance of the aviation sector supporting efforts to remove carbon from the atmosphere in the interim.
David Hone, Shell’s Chief Climate Change Advisor, highlighted the significance of offsetting as a key strategy in the short term. Given the expected continued use of fossil fuels in aviation for decades due to the extended timeline required for sustainable fuel development, artificial methods, such as improved carbon removal technology, are essential for the industry’s long-term sustainability.
Recognising the urgency of the issue, Tomorrow’s Air has emerged as the travel world’s first carbon clean-up collective. Backed by the Adventure Travel Trade Association, this initiative focuses on innovation to remove and permanently store carbon from the atmosphere.
Taking a proactive approach, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has set ambitious goals to reduce its carbon emissions. By 2025, SAS aims to achieve a 25% reduction in total carbon emissions. To accomplish this, they plan to incorporate more sustainable aviation fuel into their operations and maintain a fleet consisting of fuel-efficient aircraft.
While sustainable aviation fuels offer hope for a greener future, the aviation industry cannot solely rely on them to combat carbon emissions in the short term. It is crucial for stakeholders within the industry to support and invest in technologies that facilitate carbon removal from the atmosphere. This includes advancements in carbon capture and storage, as well as other artificial methods to offset emissions.
Collaboration between airlines, fuel suppliers, and regulatory bodies is vital in driving these efforts forward. By working together, the aviation sector can make significant strides in mitigating its environmental impact while sustainable fuels continue to develop. Adopting sustainable practices and exploring innovative carbon removal technologies will pave the way for a more sustainable future for aviation.
