CORSIA: How the Aviation Industry is Paving the Way for Stricter Standards for Carbon Offsets Everywhere
At Green Story, we’re dedicated to driving sustainability within the fashion industry, and as part of this, we incorporate highly verified and transparent carbon-neutral initiatives and environmental stewardship. A key initiative that’s come to our attention is Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
As businesses worldwide work toward carbon neutrality, understanding the history and recent developments of CORSIA offers valuable insight into global efforts to reduce emissions and promote sustainable practices. This blog will explore the evolution of CORSIA and its recent advancements in the context of its journey toward sustainability.
CORSIA was established in 2016 by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as part of the broader goal of reducing global aviation emissions. At the time, the aviation industry was responsible for approximately 2-3% of global carbon dioxide emissions, and the need for a structured approach to address these emissions became undeniable. CORSIA’s primary aim was to implement a market-based mechanism for offsetting emissions, which involved airlines purchasing carbon offsets to balance the emissions they produced. This landmark agreement marked a significant shift in the aviation sector's approach to environmental accountability, providing a platform for emissions reduction credits that was both comprehensive and measurable.
The history of CORSIA also highlights the collaboration between nations and industry stakeholders, culminating in its adoption by over 190 countries. The scheme was designed to be voluntary during the first phase (2021-2026), allowing countries to decide whether to participate, but it was intended to become mandatory by 2027 for all international flights.
One of the most notable features of CORSIA was its approach to carbon offsetting, ensuring that any offsets purchased would contribute to projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions, such as reforestation and renewable energy initiatives. By promoting these types of projects, CORSIA aimed not only to neutralize the aviation industry’s emissions but also to diversify investment in green technologies and climate action on a global scale.
Recently, CORSIA has seen significant developments that reflect the growing urgency around climate action and the aviation industry’s commitment to long-term sustainability. In 2022, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) revised CORSIA’s emissions standards to align more closely with the latest climate science and target a reduction in net carbon emissions. This update included expanding the scope of the carbon offsets and encouraging more robust monitoring and reporting mechanisms.
The revised standards also emphasize the importance of transparency and accountability, ensuring that the offsets used are not only verifiable but also contribute to projects with actual, measurable environmental benefits. These updates reflect a continued commitment to reducing aviation emissions in line with global climate targets, including those set under the Paris Agreement.
Airlines and countries are stepping up their efforts to embrace the scheme and integrate carbon-neutral strategies into their operational models. Additionally, technological advancements in sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and electric aircraft continue to evolve, further complementing the impact of CORSIA in mitigating aviation’s carbon footprint.
In conclusion, CORSIA represents a pivotal moment in the global effort to reduce carbon emissions, particularly from one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonize—aviation. With its history rooted in international cooperation and a shared commitment to sustainability, CORSIA has evolved to become a more robust, transparent, and effective system for mitigating the environmental impact of international flights.
As Green Story continues to advocate for sustainability and climate action within the fashion industry, it remains vital to acknowledge and support the broader initiatives that impact global carbon reduction efforts. We can learn lessons from the evolution of CORSIA. It also highlights that while the path to a sustainable future is complex, it is possible through collaborative, innovative solutions that engage all industries in a united front against climate change.