The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) CORSIA Agreement: A Comprehensive Guide
The aviation industry has been greatly contributing to global greenhouse gas emissions for years. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) introduced a program called the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) to address this issue.
The purpose of CORSIA is to cap the net emissions of international flights at 2020 levels by requiring airlines to offset emissions with carbon credits. To achieve this goal, CORSIA aims to encourage the development of sustainable aviation fuels, new technologies, and operational measures that help reduce emissions.
The CORSIA agreement was first adopted in 2016, and it became mandatory for many airlines starting in 2021. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic`s impact on the aviation industry, the implementation of CORSIA has been postponed to 2023.
The CORSIA program applies to all international flights, with some exceptions for small operators, humanitarian flights, and those in developing countries. Airlines have to measure their emissions and report them to their countries` regulatory authorities, who then share the information with CORSIA. The program sets emission monitoring requirements for airlines, including data collection, verification, and reporting.
To offset their emissions, airlines can purchase and retire carbon credits from approved programs, such as the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and the Gold Standard. These credits represent a reduction in emissions from projects such as wind farms, solar energy, and afforestation.
Overall, CORSIA aims to create a market-based approach to addressing the aviation industry`s environmental impact. The program has received support from many countries and aviation industry stakeholders, including the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Airports Council International (ACI).
In conclusion, the ICAO CORSIA agreement is a critical step in addressing the aviation industry`s contribution to global carbon emissions. While it may take time to see the program`s full impact, it is an essential effort in mitigating climate change and protecting our planet`s future.
