The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) announced the implementation of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) in 2016. This agreement aims to mitigate the environmental impact of aviation by ensuring that airlines offset their carbon emissions by purchasing carbon credits.
The implementation of CORSIA has been a hot topic in the aviation industry in recent years, as the deadline for compliance draws near. Aspiring candidates for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam must be well-versed in the economic, environmental, and political significance of the agreement.
The CORSIA agreement will come into effect from 2021, with mandatory compliance for airlines beginning in 2027. This scheme will be applicable to international flights that cross borders and emit more than 10,000 tonnes of carbon annually. The intent of the agreement is to reduce carbon emissions by 2.5 billion tonnes by 2035.
Indian aviation is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, and the country is among the top 10 aviation markets globally. The implementation of CORSIA will have a significant impact on Indian airlines, with compliance expected to cost around $1.5 billion over the next 15 years.
The Indian government has already taken several steps to promote sustainable aviation, including the use of biofuels and the implementation of the National Green Aviation Policy. However, the implementation of CORSIA will require further efforts from Indian airlines to reduce their carbon footprint.
In conclusion, the CORSIA agreement is a crucial step towards mitigating the environmental impact of aviation. With the agreement set to come into effect, aspiring UPSC candidates must be aware of the economic, environmental, and political implications of this scheme, especially in the Indian context. It is essential for Indian airlines to be fully prepared for compliance with the agreement to ensure that they continue to operate sustainably and contribute to the global effort to reduce carbon emissions.