Rising airline emissions could trigger global caps as early as 2024 -trade group

Rising airline traffic is expected to trigger global emissions-related requirements for some carriers as early as next year, according to a top airline trade group, even as debate broadens on the effectiveness of that approach. A UN-led scheme seeks to cap emissions from international flights at 85% of 2019 levels under the first phase of its Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) beginning next year. That threshold is expected to be crossed sometime in 2024 based on current traffic recovery, trade group IATA told Reuters. Carriers in the first phase could purchase offsets as early as that year, with international travel expected to rebound to near 2019 levels. Combating aviation pollution is key for the fight against climate change as the industry generates roughly 3% of global emissions. As traffic rebounds from a COVID-19 pandemic-induced slump, some travelers are reviving "flight shaming" pressure to seek lower carbon alternatives. With technologies like electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft still unproven, and SAF in short supply and exorbitantly costly, airlines are buying credits in pollution-lowering projects like planting trees to offset their emissions. However, while offsets cost less than SAF, critics say they do not lower actual airline emissions.<br/>