ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a decarbonisation pathway for aviation out to 2050. Aviation is one of the fastest growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions and the most climate-intensive mode of transport. Aviation emissions in Europe have doubled since 1990, while globally they could, without action, double or treble by 2050. The chapter looks at likely emission scenarios out to 2050 and examines various design, technical and operational measures that, either within knowledge or being more ambitious, could impact that growth trend. Emissions from EU aviation increased 96% between 1990 and 2016, while all other sectors, bar transport which grew 21%, reduced emissions. EU leaders agreed in December 2019 to endorse the objective of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Fuel uplifted for international aviation remains mutually tax exempt owing to language introduced in bilateral aviation agreements, known as Air Service Agreements, built up after the Second World War. Mitigating aviation’s non-CO2 effects must be included in any long-term emissions reduction strategy.
