The Aviation Industry’s Climate Crisis

The aviation industry is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for around 2.5% of global emissions. The sector’s carbon footprint is substantial, with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimating that it will reach 3.5 billion tons of CO2 emissions by 2035.

The Need for Sustainable Solutions

To mitigate the climate crisis, the aviation industry must adopt sustainable solutions. This includes reducing emissions, increasing fuel efficiency, and exploring alternative fuel technologies. The development of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) is a key area of focus, as it has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Key benefits of SAF include:

• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%
• Lower air pollution levels
• Improved energy security

Alternative Fuel Technologies

Alternative fuel technologies are being developed to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint. These include:

• Electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems
• Hydrogen fuel cells
• Synthetic fuels

The Role of Keflavik International Airport

Keflavik International Airport, where Anna Bjỏrk Bjarnadóttir will participate in the panel discussion, is a leader in sustainable aviation.

The Challenges of SAF Production in Iceland

Iceland’s unique geography and climate make it an unlikely candidate for SAF production. The country’s harsh winters and limited sunlight during the winter months make it difficult to produce SAF using traditional methods. The lack of suitable land and the high cost of land acquisition also pose significant challenges. The country’s geography is characterized by rugged terrain, with limited arable land available for crop production.

Heavy sweepers are used for snow removal and are a significant contributor to airport emissions. #

Airport Emissions and Sustainability

Airport emissions are a significant concern for the aviation industry, accounting for approximately 10-20% of the industry’s total emissions. This is a substantial portion, considering the industry’s overall environmental impact.

Key Objectives

The Destination 2050 initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aviation by 50% by 2050. To achieve this goal, the alliance has set several key objectives:

• Increase the share of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in the market to at least 2% by
• Reduce the carbon intensity of aviation by 50% by
• Increase the use of electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems in new aircraft designs.

Current State of Sustainable Aviation Fuels

Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) are a crucial component in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from aviation. SAF is made from renewable resources such as waste biomass, algae, or agricultural waste, and can be used in existing aircraft engines without modification.

SAFs: The Future of Sustainable Aviation Fuels

The Problem of Fossil Fuels in Aviation

The aviation industry is one of the largest consumers of fossil fuels, accounting for around 2.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The use of fossil fuels in aviation is a significant contributor to climate change, as it releases carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The aviation industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and transition to more sustainable alternatives.

The Need for Sustainable Aviation Fuels

Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) are a promising solution to the problem of fossil fuels in aviation. SAFs are fuels that are made from renewable resources, such as waste biomass, algae, or agricultural waste.

Collaboration Culture

Collaboration culture is a crucial aspect of the airport ecosystem. It involves the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and resources among stakeholders to achieve common goals. In the context of SAF adoption, collaboration culture enables airports to pool their resources, expertise, and knowledge to overcome the technical, economic, and regulatory challenges associated with the transition to SAF.

Key Strategies for Promoting SAF

Collaborative Efforts

Airports, airlines, and suppliers can collaborate to promote the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This can be achieved through various strategies, including:

• Educational campaigns: Organizing workshops, seminars, and webinars to raise awareness about the benefits of SAF among stakeholders, including airlines, airports, and suppliers.
• Sustainability reports: Publishing reports that highlight the environmental benefits of SAF, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and showcasing successful SAF initiatives.
• Showcasing successful SAF initiatives: Highlighting real-world examples of SAF adoption, such as the use of SAF in commercial flights or the development of SAF-based aircraft engines.

Influencing Regulations and Policies

Airports, airlines, and suppliers can also work together to influence regulations and policies that promote the adoption of SAF.