CORSIA and LTAG [UPSC Notes]

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has announced that India will start participating in the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and the Long-Term Aspirational Goals (LTAG) from 2027. In this context, we discuss what are CORSIA and LTAG of ICAO and the implications of India’s participation in these goals. This topic is relevant for the IAS exam for GS paper III.

What are CORSIA and LTAG?

• The ICAO has been tasked to reduce carbon emissions from international civil aviation as one of its focus areas.
  • In order to mitigate carbon emissions from aviation and its impact on climate change, the global body has adopted several key aspirational goals. Among them are: 2% annual fuel efficiency improvement through 2050, carbon neutral growth, and net zero by 2050.
  • The ICAO has clubbed them under CORSIA and LTAG.
• LTAG:
  • The 41st ICAO Assembly adopted LTAG for international aviation of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 in support of the UNFCCC Paris Agreement’s temperature goal.
  • The LTAG does not attribute specific obligations or commitments in the form of emissions reduction goals to individual States. Instead, it recognizes each State’s special circumstances and respective capabilities e.g., the level of development, and maturity of aviation markets.
• CORSIA:
  • It is a global scheme established by the ICAO to address the growth in CO2 emissions from international aviation.
  • CORSIA is applicable only to flights originating from one country to another.
  • CORSIA aims to stabilize net CO2 emissions at 2020 levels through a combination of measures, including carbon offsetting, carbon credits, and sustainable aviation fuel.
  • CORSIA complements the other measures by offsetting the amount of CO2 emissions that cannot be reduced through technological improvements, operational improvements, and sustainable aviation fuels with emissions units from the carbon market.
  • It offers a harmonized way to reduce emissions from international aviation, minimizing market distortion, while respecting the special circumstances and respective capabilities of ICAO Member States.
  • CORSIA Scheme is envisaged in 3 phases: Pilot (2021-2023) and first phases (2024-2026) are voluntary phases whereas second phase (2027-2035) is mandatory for all the member States.
  • India has decided not to participate in the voluntary phases of CORSIA.

Important Initiatives Taken by the MoCA to Reduce Carbon Emissions:

• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): Initiatives to encourage the use of SAF have been taken for sustainable development and the reduction of carbon emissions at airports.
• National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016: It includes a goal of developing a sustainable aviation framework that promotes the use of alternative fuels, energy-efficient aircraft, and infrastructure, among others. Read more on the National Civil Aviation Policy in the linked article.
• Green Airports: A green airport is an airport that has implemented sustainable practices to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainable development. Green airports aim to minimize their carbon footprint, conserve energy & water resources, and reduce waste and emissions.

How Does the Aviation Sector Affect Climate?

• Cirrus Clouds: Similar to contrails, cirrus clouds also form from aircraft emissions. These clouds can have a warming effect on the planet, as they trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.
• Contrails: Contrails are the white, streaky lines that aeroplanes leave in the sky. They are made up of ice crystals that form when water vapour in the aircraft’s exhaust condenses in the cold, high-altitude atmosphere. Contrails can have a warming effect on the planet by trapping heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.
• Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Aviation is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide. The burning of fossil fuels in aircraft engines produces carbon dioxide, water vapour, nitrogen oxides, and other greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.

Potential Advantages of Joining Such Initiatives:

• Increasing Sustainability: CORSIA and the LTAG encourage airlines to adopt more sustainable practices, such as using more efficient aircraft, reducing fuel consumption, and investing in renewable energy.
• Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Joining CORSIA and striving towards the LTAG will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international aviation. This is essential for combating climate change and protecting the environment.
• India also has set an ambitious target of achieving Net Zero by 2070.
• India also has committed to reducing the carbon intensity of its economy by 45% by 2030.

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