European Aviation Set to Spend Billions on Offsetting Schemes - CleanTechnica

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is currently reviewing its progress toward the Long Term Aspirational Goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 during its 42nd General Assembly. A key focus is on CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation), designed to complement other emissions reduction efforts in aviation. However, CORSIA has so far failed to stabilize aviation CO2 emissions or significantly promote green technologies like sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and zero-emission planes. A recent Transport & Environment (T&E) analysis criticizes CORSIA as an expensive distraction, estimating that European aviation could spend between €7 billion and €43 billion on offsetting projects over the next decade, with minimal climate or local community benefits. Moreover, due to its design, CORSIA will only offset about 26% of EU international aviation emissions by 2035. The article highlights concerns about ICAO’s governance, noting significant industry influence from fossil fuel companies and airlines,