Flightpath: Navigating the pathway to sustainable aviation
Aviation is vital. It enables immense progress for people and business. But the industry faces unprecedented challenges – passenger numbers are expected to double by 20371, while targets are in place for a 50% reduction in net CO2 levels by 2050, relative to 20052. At the same time, societal pressure to tackle climate change is increasing, with appetite to act now. The options are limited and complex, but with urgent action and collaboration from multiple stakeholders, significant reductions in aviation emissions are possible.
Shell Aviation advocates a three-tiered carbon-management approach to reducing CO2 emissions:
- Avoid emissions: By adopting new technologies and achieving operational efficiencies that eliminate CO2 output, particularly on the ground
- Reduce emissions: Through the use of sustainable aviation fuel
- Offset emissions: By using high quality nature-based carbon credits to compensate for emissions
1 https://www.iata.org/pressroom/pr/Pages/2018-10-24-02.aspx
2 https://www.iea.org/commentaries/are-aviation-biofuels-ready-for-take-off
WATCH: Introducing "Flightpath" – meet our host, Joel Makower
Join us as we explore how aviation can thrive responsibly, now and tomorrow.
Watch: Nature’s role in tackling aviation emissions
Airlines are feeling pressure to curb CO2 emissions today. Until sustainable fuel and technology solutions are deployed to help avoid and reduce emissions directly, the industry will also need comprehensive carbon offset programmes if it is to meet its net emissions reduction targets. The Nature Conservancy’s Chris Webb points to airlines’ opportunity to benefit from the most effective carbon sink “technology” available today: nature itself.
Today’s climate can’t wait for tomorrow’s solution
Balancing the growth of aviation with the needs of our planet requires bold innovation. Avoid and Reduce strategies are most effective for tackling CO2 emissions but are not yet scalable. How can the industry act now to drive results?
Is turning to nature the answer to cleaner skies?
When CO2 emissions can’t be avoided, offsets can reduce the impact. But not all offsets are created equal. Nature-based solutions show promising potential.
Shell Aviation supports SkyNRG in developing Europe’s first dedicated SAF plant
Shell announced that it will support SkyNRG with its technical and commercial expertise and has the option to purchase sustainable aviation fuel produced at the facility.
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