Beyond the icao’s corsia: Towards a More Climatically Effective Strategy for Mitigation of Civil-Aviation Emissions

Abstract

Pursuant to a referral by the UNFCCC through the Kyoto Protocol, the International Civil Aviation Organization ( ICAO ) has developed a ‘basket’ of emission-mitigation measures for international aviation. Technical and operational measures proved inadequate to counter traffic growth, and finally, in October 2016, the ICAO adopted a framework for a market-based measure. The Carbon Offset and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation ( CORSIA ) is the primary emission-mitigation tool for international aviation. It aims at ‘carbon-neutral growth’ ( CNG ) from 2020 onward. Yet, even with an increased use of alternative fuels and comprehensive implementation of CORSIA , the ICAO ’s basket of measures will not produce a reduction in global aviation emissions. This article describes the legal and governance framework and the implementation process of CORSIA , assesses the scheme’s potential contribution to climate-change mitigation, and proposes a derivative but more ambitious strategy. This would include incorporation of international aviation emissions in the NDC s of parties to the Paris Agreement and a more direct role for the UNFCCC in determining eligibility of emission units and alternative fuels, with the ICAO remaining accountable for monitoring, reporting and verification. 1