London: The UK government launched a public consultation yesterday (16 December 2024) to implement the UN’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). The move aims to reduce the climate impact of flying, ensure cost-effectiveness for airlines, and support the UK’s goal to become a clean energy superpower as part of its plan for change.
The consultation seeks public input on the proposed measures and is accompanied by an impact assessment analyzing CORSIA’s implementation and its coordination with the UK ETS.
Under CORSIA, airlines must offset carbon emissions from international flights by investing in projects like renewable energy installations (e.g., solar grids) and reforestation efforts.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the UN’s specialised aviation body, oversees this system.
The consultation also outlines regulatory measures, including penalties for non-compliance.
Aviation Minister Mike Kane emphasized the UK’s leadership on tackling aviation emissions, saying:
“The UK is already at the forefront of global efforts to address climate change and carbon pricing schemes play a vital role in decarbonising aviation. The government is committed to supporting the aviation industry, and with our Plan for Change at the heart, we’re helping the UK transition to a cleaner future in the most cost-effective way. We welcome all views on how airlines can continue participating in these crucial initiatives.”
Balancing CORSIA with UK ETS
The consultation also seeks feedback on how CORSIA will align with the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), particularly for flights between the UK and Europe. Proposed measures aim to prevent airlines from facing double costs under both schemes, keeping prices fair for passengers.
Industry Leaders Respond
The aviation industry welcomed the government’s progress.
Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, said:
“UK airlines are committed to net zero, which alongside innovation to reduce our emissions directly also means effective international action in what is an inherently global sector. We welcome this latest progress and look forward to working with the government to strengthen CORSIA and put the whole industry on a net zero path by 2050. Effective carbon mechanisms are critical in ensuring we can continue to deliver for passengers and cargo for generations to come whilst remaining on track to take the carbon out of travel.”
Marie Owens Thomsen, Senior Vice President Sustainability and Chief Economist at the International Air Transport Association (IATA), added:
“IATA welcomes this important consultation by the UK government as part of its promise to secure the long-term future of the air transportation industry with sustainability at its heart. CORSIA is the only global market-based scheme to reduce emissions from international air transportation and is critical to airlines’ decarbonisation efforts.
The UK is the third-largest air transport market globally and will play an important role in global efforts to decarbonise our industry.”
How to Respond:
Online: Submit responses via the consultation portal.
Email: corsiaconsultation@dft.gov.uk
By Post:
Aviation Decarbonisation Division
Department for Transport
Great Minster House
33 Horseferry Road
London SW1P 4DR
With aviation contributing around 3% of global emissions, the UK is one of 129 countries participating in CORSIA. The government has also provided support to other nations, training 11 countries in Africa and other regions to adopt the scheme.
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