Biofuel bottlenecks and synthetic fuels: Leveraging aviation for global climate action

Abstract

Biogenic hydrocarbons occupy a central place in transition narratives across multiple sectors, from transport and energy to chemicals and consumer goods. Yet their inherent scarcity creates unavoidable dilemmas of prioritization. This article examines aviation as a case study of these dilemmas. While the industry has tied its hopes for decarbonization to biofuels, their large-scale use risks crowding out other sectors, undermining both climate and biodiversity goals. To guide policymakers, the article proposes three evaluative principles – global scalability, transformational leverage, and ability-to-pay – arguing that aviation is uniquely positioned to accelerate investment in synthetic electrofuels derived from carbon capture. Such fuels offer compatibility with existing infrastructure while simultaneously commercializing technologies that are essential for achieving net-negative emissions. By situating aviation within wider ethical and political debates, the article suggests that, with democratic steering, the sector could shift from climate villain to driver of globally meaningful climate action.