HACAN calls for end to aviation greenwash and false “solutions”
Ahead of Transport Day (10th November) at COP26, community group HACAN were joined by a cross-party group of MPs and Peers outside Parliament to call for an end of greenwash from the aviation industry. Hacan said that instead of shifting responsibility to the international mechanism CORSIA, that heavily relies on greenwashed false ‘solutions’ such as offsets and so-called alternative fuels, Governments must take responsibility for aviation emissions in their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). In a climate emergency the only thing we can do right now to cut emissions from flying is to fly less. Even with some of the techno-fixes the aviation sector hopes for, by 2050 it is likely to be adding about 12% of the 205 Giga-tonnes remaining global CO2 budget. The sector must not be allowed to continue growing, based on greenwashing claims about low-carbon fuels in future, which are highly unlikely to materialise on any large scale. Parliamentarians attending were Rupa Huq, Baroness Jones, Baroness Kramer, John McDonnell, Sarah Olney, David Simmonds, Andy Slaughter and Munira Wilson.
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HACAN calls for end to aviation greenwash
Ahead of Transport Day (10th November) at COP26, community group HACAN were joined by a cross-party group of MPs and Peers outside Parliament to call for an end of greenwash from the aviation industry.
9th November 2021
Instead of shifting responsibility to the international mechanism CORSIA, that heavily relies on greenwashed false ‘solutions’ such as offsets (1) and so-called alternative fuels, Governments must take responsibility for aviation emissions in their Nationally Determined Contributions. In a climate emergency the only thing we can do right now to cut emissions from flying is to fly less.
It is clear that technological developments will not be delivered fast enough to cope with the expected increases in demand. Pidcock and Yeo (2016), show that carbon emissions from international aviation will still represent 12% of the 205Gt remaining global CO2 budget in 2050, even if technological and operational efficiencies are maximised and the total demand for conventional jet fuel is met with alternatives. (2)
The promotion of future technological solutions has been shown to be a key strategy deployed by the aviation industry to avoid their climate responsibility and dissuade Government from more progressive action. (3)
Paul Beckford, Coordinator, HACAN said: “The aviation industry does not fully pay its environmental costs in terms of noise and emissions. The reliance on future technological solutions and offsetting is simply greenwashing. There are plenty of policy initiatives, such as a frequent flyer levy, that could be delivered now to help reduce the impact of aircraft noise and emissions. Overflown communities and our climate deserve better.”
Parliamentarians in attendance included:
· Rupa Huq MP (Lab, Ealing Central)
· Baroness Jones of Moulsecomb (Green)
· Baroness Kramer of Richmond Park (Lib Dem)
· Rt. Hon. John McDonnell MP (Lab, Hayes & Harlington)
· Sarah Olney MP (Lib Dem, Richmond Park)
· David Simmonds MP (Con, Ruislip, Northwood & Pinner)
· Andy Slaughter MP (Lab, Hammersmith)
· Munira Wilson MP (Lib Dem, Twickenham)
(1) The European Commission has already reported that 85% of the offset projects under the CDM failed to reduce emissions.
(2) This may rise to 20% should alternative jet fuels not become available in sufficient quantities. https://www.carbonbrief.org/aviation-consume-quarter-carbon-budget
Analysis: Aviation could consume a quarter of 1.5C carbon budget by 2050
(3) Peeters et al (2016). Are technology myths stalling aviation climate policy? Transportation Research Part D 44 (2016) 30–42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2016.02.004
Paul Beckford
Coordinator
E: paul@hacan.org.uk
M: 07775 593 928