Aviation emissions have almostdoubled since 2000and in 2018 reachedone billion tonnes.
Climate Action Tracker rates the industrys climate performance ascritically insufficient.
The significant technological and energy disruption on the horizon for the industry suggests such a future is possible.
But significant challenges remain.
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The scheme also encourages alternative cleaner fuels, but the level of emissions reduction between fuels varies considerably.
Governments have generally failed to provide strong leadership to help the aviation sector to reduce emissions.
Aviation is also a complex policy space to navigate, involving multiple actors around the world.
Griffith University recently held awebinar serieson decarbonizing aviation, involving industry, academic, and government experts.
Nations soaring ahead
Some governments are leading the way in driving change in the aviation industry.
Achieving fossil-free flights requires replacing jet fuel with alternatives such as sustainable fuels or electric and hydrogen propulsion.
The European Union plans toend current tax exemptionsfor jet fuel and introduce measures toacceleratethe uptake of sustainable fuels.
Australia lacks a strategic framework or emissions reduction targets to help transition the aviation industry.
TheEmerging Aviation Technology Programseeks to reduce carbon emissions, among other goals.
Some governments are leading the way in driving change in the aviation industry.
Zhao Xiaojun/AP
Building tomorrows aircraft
Low-emissions aircraft technology has developed substantially in the last five years.
For electric aircraft to be net-zero emissions, they must be powered by renewable energy sources.
Increased use of sustainable aviation fuel is also likely.
Conversion to the commercial mainstream is not happening quickly enough.
This would keep the industry competitive and on track for net-zero emissions by 2050.
Strategic attention and action is also needed to:
The emissions created by flights and itineraries canvary substantially.
Consumers can also choose to fly only with airlines and operators that have committed to net-zero emissions.
This article is republished fromThe Conversationunder a Creative Commons license.
