Canada's Aviation Industry Turns to Carbon Offsets

Canada’s general commitment to the UN’s 2030 Agenda and our national climate goals is moving ahead. But the aviation industry still contributes nearly 4% to transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions.

As such, the aviation industry is using carbon offsets to reduce its environmental footprint.

For a more in-depth look, check out Devon Manning’s article, Why Carbon Offsets in Canadian Aviation Are Not Enough.

The Climate Challenge for Canada's Aviation Industry

Canada’s Aviation Climate Action Plan is part of the core 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions and help reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Over the past two decades, air traffic has grown significantly, which places even greater pressure on the aviation industry to reduce emissions.

Fortunately, operational improvements and continual innovation slow the growth in emissions despite Canadians’ increased interest in travelling by air.

What Are Carbon Offset Credit Systems (COCS)?

COCS lets people and companies balance their environmental impact by supporting efforts to lower overall carbon pollution.

The offset projects reduce or remove atmospheric carbon. Every carbon offset credit “offsets” a certain amount of emissions. The money from purchasing the credits provides funds for activities like the development of cleaner tech, nature conservation, planting trees, sustainable development initiatives, and carbon capture technology.

COCS Fund Aviation Innovation 

Offset funding contributes to R&D by funnelling funds to:

• Sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs)

• More fuel-efficient aircraft, such as the Evio 810 hybrid-electric plane

• Improving flight routes

  
  

Conclusion

Carbon offsets are now a vital part of aviation sustainability efforts in Canada. But these offsets only complement a reduction in actual emissions. True sustainability in the aviation industry relies on critical advances in operations and technology.