Carbon emissions from fuels consumed in domestic and international air transport accounted for around 2.5% of all energy-related CO2 emissions before the COVID-19 crisis. These emissions were distributed unevenly across countries: the United States alone accounted for almost a quarter of the global total, while less developed countries with half of the world’s population account for only around 10% of direct emissions from air transport. Although the total carbon emissions from air transport are small compared, for example, to food or clothes production or road transport, they are expected to rise rapidly once the industry recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
This report provides an overview of technological, operational and policy measures that can accelerate the decarbonization of aviation. Its goal is to support governments and aviation stakeholders looking to introduce aviation decarbonization measures regionally, nationally and internationally. All measures are discussed in light of their cost-effectiveness and the potential barriers to their implementation.
The report also summarizes the conclusions from an expert workshop held in February 2020 as part of the International Transport Forum’s Decarbonising Transport initiative.