The UK government has initiated a public consultation aimed at exploring ways to reduce the carbon footprint of air travel without driving up passenger fares. The consultation will focus on the implementation of the global aviation carbon offsetting scheme, CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation).
CORSIA, which has been agreed upon by nearly 130 countries, requires airlines to offset their carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions on international flights. This includes funding renewable energy projects, supporting reforestation efforts, and other environmental initiatives.
The Department for Transport (DFT) is seeking input on how best to regulate carbon offsetting within the aviation sector, including potential penalties for airlines that fail to comply with the scheme. Aviation Minister Mike Kane stated, “The UK is already at the forefront of global climate action, and carbon pricing is a crucial tool in decarbonising aviation. This consultation is an opportunity for all stakeholders to share their views on how we can achieve a cleaner aviation industry.”
The government also plans to align CORSIA with the UK’s existing emissions trading scheme (ETS), which was introduced following Brexit to replace the EU’s ETS. To avoid double penalties for UK-to-Europe flights, the consultation proposes measures to prevent airlines from facing both CORSIA and the UK ETS simultaneously. This aims to prevent unnecessary price hikes for passengers and ensures that the UK’s decarbonisation efforts are both effective and equitable.
Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, which represents UK-based carriers, emphasized the importance of efficient carbon reduction mechanisms. “We must ensure that carbon offsetting does not compromise the ability of airlines to serve passengers and cargo while continuing to reduce our environmental impact.”
The European Commission has already proposed its own rules to calculate offsetting requirements for flights under CORSIA, a move that has raised concerns, particularly regarding how emissions from business travel will be handled. The UK consultation is open for public input until February 10, 2025.
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