Have your say on the proposal to implement the globally agreed
international aviation carbon offsetting scheme (CORSIA) in the
UK.
-
UK government helps to
tackle climate impacts of flying by pressing forward with
global carbon offsetting scheme
- new consultation will move forward UK implementation of landmark
international scheme, helping address aviation's impact
on the planet whilst keeping airline costs down
- helps support government's Plan for Change to
make Britain a clean energy superpower as we accelerate to
net zero and deliver on our mission for growth
The government is inviting public feedback on adopting a global carbon offsetting
scheme to reduce climate impacts of flying, as part of a
consultation launched today (16 December 2024).
The proposal outlines options for how the UK will implement the UN's global Carbon Offsetting and
Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
Overseen by the UN's
specialised aviation agency, the International Civil Aviation
Organization (ICAO), this
pioneering scheme requires airlines to offset carbon dioxide
(CO2) emissions on
international routes.
This will be achieved by supporting initiatives such as switching
to renewable energy sources – for example, solar grid
installations – and reforestation projects.
The consultation includes proposals for how this scheme will be
regulated in the UK,
including penalties for non-compliance.
Aviation Minister, , said:
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.
In partnership with the UK
ETS Authority, the
consultation also includes proposals for how the UK will implement
CORSIA while maintaining commitments under the
UK emissions trading scheme
(ETS).
To prevent flights from the UK to Europe from being subject to both
CORSIAand the UK
ETS, the
consultation suggests measures to ensure airlines are not
unfairly burdened.
This approach also aims to avoid unnecessary price increases for
passengers, ensuring the UK's
decarbonisation efforts do not negatively impact those who rely
on air travel.
With aviation contributing around 3% of global emissions, the
UK is one of 129 countries
now participating in
CORSIA. This includes offering support to other
countries to help them participate in the scheme. For example,
the UKhas trained 11 other
countries in Africa and other regions to apply the
CORSIAscheme.
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 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 International Air Transport Association
(IATA), said:
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.
IATA
supports this important consultation and the UK government's plans to adopt and
implement the scheme, and encourages countries to prepare for
CORSIA implementation in full alignment with ICAO
CORSIA standard and recommended practice and to make the
needed carbon credits available.
The consultation marks further progress in the UK's commitment to addressing aviation
emissions across the globe and comes following the first meeting
of the Jet Zero Taskforce – a new and refreshed group charting a
clear path toward cleaner aviation.
It goes hand-in-hand with the government's missions to boost the
economy and make the UK a
clean energy superpower as well as support high-quality
aviation and aerospace jobs throughout the UK.
The UK played a leading role
in the development and agreement of
CORSIAby ICAO, is
supporting and encouraging other countries to participate and
seeks to strengthen and improve the scheme over time.
