The United Nations agency based in Montreal, Canada, marked the tenth anniversary of the approval of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) on October 6, 2016. This plan was recognized as the first global market measure adopted by the economic sector to combat carbon emissions.
The system was designed to ensure carbon-neutral growth of international aviation starting from 2020 and is currently one of ICAO's key tools for achieving the goal of net-zero carbon emissions in international air transport by 2050.
CORSIA complements emission reductions achieved through improvements in aircraft technology and operational activities, and also allows for a reduction in offsetting obligations by using certified fuel with a lower carbon footprint.
According to ICAO, the volume of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and other certified low-carbon fuel within the program has more than doubled over the last two years.
ICAO Council Chairman Toshiyuki Onuma stated that the unanimous support of member states confirms the central role of CORSIA and helps avoid 'fragmented or duplicating measures' between countries.
Furthermore, the organization's Secretary-General Juan Carlos Salazar believes that the coming years will be 'decisive,' insisting on accelerating the development of sustainable fuels and the strict application of this system.