CORSIA – paving the way to a carbon neutral growth in the aviation industry |30 September 2020
On the occasion of Zero Emissions Day celebrated on September 21, the local civil aviation authority raised awareness on its social media platforms about the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO’s) aspirational goals for a carbon neutral growth in the aviation industry from 2020 onward.
Through the post Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) shed light on the basket of measures being pursued by the international body to achieve this mission, they are; Aircraft technology and standards, Air traffic management and operations, sustainable aviation fuels and Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). Seychelles is voluntarily participating in CORSIA.
Globally, the aviation sector accounts for approximately 2% of CO2 emissions, including international and domestic aviation. In 1999, the findings of a scientific investigation, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, noted the impact of aviation on global climate. Twenty years later, ICAO through its member states, Seychelles included, is working hard to minimise the adverse impact of civil aviation on global climate with the implementation of the basket of measures.
In 2018, SCAA confirmed its voluntary participation in the pilot phase of CORSIA (2021-2023). CORSIA is one of the first global-based measure schemes in any sector introduced to address the increase in total CO2 emissions from civil aviation. Under this scheme, airlines whose CO2 emissions are above the set level would have to purchase carbon offsets; generated through the implementation of carbon reduction projects in developing countries, projects such as reforestation. The set level would be determined in 2021.
In line with Seychelles’ voluntary participation in the scheme, it is required that SCAA reports to ICAO the CO2 emissions of airlines registered in Seychelles, who are conducting international flights. Therefore, in August 2020, SCAA approved and submitted to ICAO the first CO2 emissions report of Air Seychelles for the year 2019. The submitted report contains important data that would allow ICAO to calculate and determine the aviation sector’s CO2 growth factor, crucial in calculating the carbon offsetting requirements of states.
SCAA remains dedicated to its commitment to align its environmental objectives with national strategies as well as the vision of the aviation industry globally.
The authority is mindful of the harmful impact that climate change may have on the livelihood of the people of Seychelles. Therefore, as custodian of the aviation sector in Seychelles, SCAA considers it a duty to take part in global efforts to reduce emissions within the industry, in any way it can.
Press release from SCAA