The aviation industry is rapidly advancing its efforts to reduce its environmental impact, but new challenges are emerging in the race toward a sustainable future. One such challenge, highlighted at the 2024 Congress of the International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences by Axel Krein, executive director of the European Union’s Clean Aviation public-private partnership, is the need for more in-depth research on non-CO2 emissions. These emissions, including contrails, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other particles released at high altitudes, could have a significant climate impact—and policies regulating them are already on the horizon.
Non-CO2 Emissions and the EU Emissions Trading Scheme
Krein’s call for urgency comes ahead of the upcoming changes to the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), which is set to introduce monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) for non-CO2 emissions starting in 2025. The goal is to inform a decision by 2027 on whether non-CO2 emissions should be incorporated into the ETS. While there is high confidence that CO2 contributes significantly to climate change, the role of other emissions like NOx and contrails is less understood.
These uncertainties pose a dilemma for the industry, as strategies to reduce CO2 emissions can sometimes exacerbate non-CO2 impacts, and vice versa. For example, avoiding contrail formation by rerouting flights may lead to increased CO2 emissions due to longer distances flown. The trade-offs between reducing contrails or NOx and cutting CO2 emissions are not yet clear, making it difficult to craft effective policies.
The Need for Comprehensive Research
Krein’s message is clear: the aviation community needs to intensify its research into the climate impacts of non-CO2 emissions to reduce uncertainty. This research is not only crucial for identifying the right technologies and operational strategies for reducing aviation’s climate impact, but it is also essential for the development of accurate and fair regulations. The inclusion of non-CO2 emissions in the EU ETS will have significant implications for airlines and operators, requiring them to adjust their strategies and investments to remain compliant with evolving regulations.
VURDHAAN’s Role in Supporting Sustainable Aviation Solutions
At VURDHAAN, we are fully aligned with the pressing need for comprehensive research and informed policy development in the aviation sector. Our expertise in sustainability consulting extends to helping aviation companies navigate complex regulatory frameworks, including the EU ETS and ICAO’s CORSIA. We support our clients by providing strategic guidance on reducing both CO2 and non-CO2 emissions, ensuring that their sustainability goals are met without compromising operational efficiency.
Our holistic approach includes assisting aviation companies in adopting sustainable technologies and practices, as well as staying ahead of regulatory changes. As the research community continues to explore the climate impacts of non-CO2 emissions, VURDHAAN remains committed to helping airlines and operators transition towards more environmentally friendly solutions, contributing to the global effort to make aviation more sustainable.
A Forward-Thinking Approach
Krein’s emphasis on urgency cannot be overstated. As airlines prepare for the introduction of new MRV requirements in 2025, it is essential that research keeps pace with policy developments. Understanding the true climate impact of non-CO2 emissions will allow for more effective and balanced solutions, reducing aviation’s overall contribution to global warming.
The aviation industry stands at a critical juncture in its sustainability journey. With growing awareness of non-CO2 emissions and their potential to impact future policies, now is the time for research, collaboration, and innovation. At VURDHAAN, we are proud to be part of this transformation, working closely with our clients to ensure they are equipped to meet the challenges ahead while contributing to a more sustainable future for aviation.