DGCA compiles CO2 emissions data based on information received from Indian scheduled carriers. Details of CO2 emissions from 2016 to 2020 can be seen in the attachment. CO2 emissions increased until 2019 and decreased in 2020.
What causes CO2 emissions
There are both natural and human sources of carbon dioxide emissions. Natural sources include decomposition, release from the ocean, and respiration. Human resources come from activities such as cement production, deforestation and also burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas.
Steps to address the CO2 emissions problem include the following:
(i) Measures taken by the airport to reduce the carbon footprint include replacing non-renewable energy sources with renewable energy sources such as hydro, solar panels and wind, streamlining operating hours/procedures, using alternative fuels in ground handling vehicles, etc.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has written to operators of all brownfield airports with regular operations and developers of upcoming greenfield airports to advise them to work towards achieving carbon neutrality and net zero, to obtain accreditation from the Airports Council International (ACI/ISO 14064 through empaneled verifiers) and to adopt carbon mitigation measures and carbon management plans.
The Airports Authority of India has taken initiatives such as the Energy Intensity Data publication aimed at reducing energy intensity for existing and upcoming airport projects. Furthermore, a training module was created as part of the initial training program for air traffic controllers with the aim of increasing their sensitivity to carbon neutrality.
(ii) Measures taken by airlines to reduce carbon footprint include reduction of unwanted aircraft weight, prevention of moisture/dirt accumulation on aircraft, proper control of speed and flaps etc.
(iii) In addition to the above, the Airports Authority of India in consultation with the Indian Air Force has optimized airspace utilization under Flexible Use of Airspace (FUA) resulting in reduction of CO2 emissions.
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