Flying without CO2 is possible by 2050 according to the Federal Council
Published: Wednesday, Feb 21st 2024, 12:20
Updated At: Wednesday, Feb 21st 2024, 12:20
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According to the Federal Council, flying without CO2 emissions is possible by 2050. It stated this in a report adopted on Wednesday. However, the industry will have to invest a lot of resources in research and development of technical measures in the coming years.
Air traffic originating from Swiss airports currently accounts for around eleven percent of Switzerland's greenhouse gas emissions. Switzerland's climate strategy aims to reduce these emissions to net zero by 2050. In the postulate report, the Federal Council has now outlined how this target is to be achieved.
According to the report, a 70 percent reduction in CO2 emissions is possible with the existing instruments and those planned from 2025. In order to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, additional CO2 would have to be removed from the atmosphere and stored.
Sustainable fuels and efficiency
Specifically, CO2 emissions from air traffic are to be reduced through the use of innovative technologies. The Federal Council names sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) as the most important of these.
Efficiency improvements should also make a contribution. For example, aircraft should be used that emit fewer greenhouse gases per person transported. In addition, flight operations are to be optimized, such as flight planning with the shortest possible routes. However, the national government believes that the potential of electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft is limited, at least until 2050.
Instrument
According to the report, the most effective instrument for achieving the climate targets in aviation would be a blending obligation for sustainable aviation fuels. This is envisaged in the CO2 Act for the period after 2024.
According to the Federal Council, existing instruments include market-based measures such as Switzerland's emissions trading system. According to the report, this already creates incentives to reduce emissions. With the forthcoming further development of the Swiss emissions trading system, this incentive could be further strengthened.
According to the Federal Council, there are also new subsidies with which the federal government wants to support aviation on its way to CO2 neutrality.
©Keystone/SDA
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