Taking Stock Of CORSIA

CORSIA, ICAO's carbon offsetting and reduction scheme which launched in 2016, has moved from its Pilot Phase into its First Phase at the start of 2024. In this article, we look at how the scheme works, its controversies and some of the latest developments.

Background

In 2022 ICAO announced its long-term aspirational goal for international aviation of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The goal relies heavily on SAF – sustainable aviation fuel – but, according to IATA, the aviation sector will not be able to completely eliminate emissions at source and will have to mitigate the remainder through offsetting – the process by which emissions are offset by financing an emission reduction elsewhere. Under CORSIA, ICAO's offsetting scheme for aviation, aircraft operators on certain international flights will be required to offset any increase in their emissions above a 2019 baseline level by purchasing CORSIA-compliant carbon credits.