The dangers associated with extreme climate events have been assessed time and again at global forums leaving no doubt that it’s time for governments and businesses to act. The burden for action on the largest greenhouse gas (GHG) producers is not lost on India, which is why at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow (COP26), it promised to get 50% of its energy from renewable resources by 2030.
Progressive reforms and policies in the last decade have demonstrated that India cares about the climate and building the infrastructure required for a resilient future. However, transitioning to a low carbon economy needs comprehensive strategies for the sectors most responsible for GHGs and those hardest to decarbonize, such as its thriving aviation sector, which is expecting double-digit growth.
Clean air
That’s why in the last quarter of 2021, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Before that, the International Civil Aviation Organization adopted the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, binding the sector to carbon-neutral growth (in line with a 2019 baseline), beginning no later than 2027.
The country, therefore, needs a robust action plan to achieve this target, deployable today. The good news is it can look to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), an increasingly available and proven solution to reduce aviation’s carbon footprint.
SAF can deliver GHG reductions between 65 and 100% relative to fossil jet fuel. As “drop in” fuels, SAFs that are qualified under ASTM International Standard D7566 meet the specifications of aircraft and engine manufacturers, eliminating any additional equipment or infrastructure investments for their use on commercial flights. Adopting SAF dovetails with India’s energy security objectives, solidifies its sovereign climate commitments, and provides opportunities for rural communities to flourish.
Source: World economic forum
