Aviation emissions contribute significantly to climate change. Airplanes utilize fossil fuel, which not only emits CO2 but also has significant non-CO2 consequences due to NOx, vapor tracks, and precipitation patterns caused by aircraft altitude. These non-CO2 impacts have a greater impact on global warming.
Airplane Pollution
Aviation emissions are increasing quicker than any other means of transportation. CO2 emissions from aircraft within Europe have climbed by 28 percent since 2013, while pollution from other sectors has decreased.
As a result, total EU pollution from flights departing from EU airports has increased from 1.4 percent in 1990 to 3.7 percent today. Aviation emissions are anticipated to climb to triple the amount by 2050 if no action is taken.
Thus, we advocate for the inclusion of aircraft emissions recognized as nationally determined contributions to achieving compliance with the Paris agreement. This provision would encourage nations to take action, both at the home and abroad as necessary, to address the climate effect of aviation.
Innovative Technology
As the number of flights increases, it is critical to ensure that flights are as efficient as possible. However, unlike the majority of other means of transportation, there are no realistic CO2 efficiency guidelines for aircraft design.
Some say that fuel economy is a sufficient motivation for aircraft makers to maximize economies, but in practice, they must balance cost and range demands. As a result, it is critical that regulators step in with stronger regulations and give additional incentives through more efficient carbon pricing.
Aviation Subsidies
Aviation, on the other hand, continues to be heavily subsidized, with the government funding all aspects of the industry. Any public funds should be accompanied by green strings.
But arguably the most significant subsidy is that which airlines receive in the form of tax breaks on their fuel and fares. Each year, these subsidies amount to dozens of billions of euros, money that could be reinvested in promoting a green economy or decreasing labor taxes.
Subsidies result in artificially low ticket prices, which increase demand while decreasing opportunities for more sustainable aviation. The elimination of these subsidies is critical to developing a more sustainable aviation economy.