Sustainable Aviation; An Example For Canada's Aviation Sector

 

Photo via Flight History

The aviation sector currently accounts for about 3.4% of all global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Gossling & Peeters, 2007), but because much of those emissions are released at sensitive altitudes and as a result, aviation's contribution may have the  equivalent impact of as much as 9% of all GHGs (T&E, 2006). 

The UK aviation sector has recognized their contribution to climate change and responded to the Climate Change Challenge by establishing 'Sustainable Aviation', a comprehensive strategy for the long term sustainability of the UK aviation industry.

The strategy sets out the industry’s vision for a sustainable future through a series of goals and commitments, including:

• Limiting climate change impact by improving fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions by 50% per seat per kilometre by 2020 compared with 2000 levels
• Improving air quality by reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by 80 per cent over the same period
• Establishing a common system for the reporting of total CO2 emissions and fleet fuel efficiency

Many of the UK’s industry leaders have committed to the goals set forth by Sustainable Aviation. Signatories include British Airways, BATA and Virgin Atlantic among many others.

'Sustainable Aviation' should be an inspiration for Canada's own aviation industry. Canada is falling behind in our competitiveness as a destination and losing our leadership status.

The Icarus Foundation encourages the Canadian aviation industry to respond to the Climate Change Challenge and reassert Canada’s leadership role.

Citations

Gossling, S., & Peeters, P. (2007). ‘it oes not harm the environment!’ an analysis of industry discourses on tourism, air travel and the environment. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 15(4), 402-417.

T&E European Federation for Transport and Environment (2006) 2006 Annual Report.