Pew report finds reductions in aviation GHG emissions over business-as-usual projections could be halved
estimated to grow 3.1% per year over the next 40 years, resulting in a 300% increase
in emissions by 2050 compared to 2007. However, a new report published by the Pew Center on Global Climate Change finds that reductions of
more than 50% below the projected levels are possible.
then. Allelujah. We are all saved then……..]
presents a range of near, medium and long term mitigation options. For the near
to medium term (to 2025), improvements in operational efficiency – for example
advanced navigation and air traffic management systems for aviation – have the
potential to reduce GHG emissions by about 5% below BAU projections, with advanced
propulsion systems and new airframe designs further reducing emissions by up to
35% over the longer term (to 2050).
transportation by transitioning to alternative fuels could also reduce emissions over the medium term, although the level of potential
reductions is uncertain, say the report’s authors David McCollum and Gregory Gould of the University of California at Davis and David Greene from Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
and shipping to compete with other transportation subsectors for a potentially
limited supply of low-carbon biofuels," they suggest. "This could particularly be an issue with marine shipping, where
the industry currently consumes the lowest-cost fuels available, namely residual
fuel oil."
a discussion of the determinants of GHG emissions from transportation; provides
an overview of the current emissions, trends and growth projections; explains
the technological mitigation options and potential GHG emission reductions; and
discusses policy options at both the domestic and international level to achieve
deep and durable reductions in emissions.
achieve GHG reductions, though the potential impacts are probably limited, says
the report. [sic]
for the services provided by aviation and marine shipping. High-speed rail could
replace some passenger air travel, but currently there are few alternatives to
marine shipping.
a limited number of alternatives, a large reduction in demand compared to BAU
seems unlikely from these subsectors," it concludes.
total GHG emissions in the United States and 3% globally, say the authors.
former US Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental
and Scientific Affairs, said: "Aviation and marine shipping are two of the fastest
growing modes of transportation. Their greenhouse gas emissions are growing rapidly
as well. To protect the climate, we need to reduce emissions across the entire
economy. Aviation and marine shipping are part of the climate problem, and this
report shows that they can be part of the solution."
5% of total greenhouse (GHG) emissions in the United States and 3% globally and
are among the fastest growing modes in the transportation sector.
emissions from the transportation sector. A range of near-, medium- and long-term
mitigation options are available to slow the growth of energy consumption and
GHG emissions from aviation and marine shipping.
below BAU levels by 2050 from global aviation and more than 60% for global marine
shipping.
intervention is required. Developing an effective path forward that facilitates
the adoption of meaningful policies remains both a challenge and an opportunity.
presents an introduction to aviation and marine transportation and a discussion
of the determinants of GHG emissions from transportation; gives overview of current
emissions and trends and growth projections; explains the technological mitigation
options and potential GHG emission reductions; and discusses policy options at
both the domestic and international level to achieve deep and durable reductions
in emissions.