2024年驶向可持续天空：航空业低碳发展的挑战与策略分析报告

Navigating Sustainable Skies: Challenges and Strategies for Greener Aviation

Executive Summary

This report provides an overview of sustainable aviation, focusing on both commercial and other aviation operations. It outlines the challenges, strategies, and policy efforts needed for greener aviation, serving as an introductory guide for researchers interested in aviation sustainability.

Environmental Impacts of the Aviation Industry

Commercial aviation accounts for approximately 3.5% of overall human-made changes to the Earth's energy balance, with CO2 emissions and non-CO2 factors (such as NOx and contrails) contributing significantly. CO2 emissions have doubled since the mid-1980s and could represent a quarter of the CO2 budget needed to limit warming to 1.5°C by 2050. Near airports, aircraft operations elevate pollutants like NOx and ozone, adversely affecting air quality and human health. Lead emissions from older, small piston-engine aircraft used in smaller non-commercial operations are the largest lead source in US air and pose significant health risks.

Challenges

1. Scaling Sustainable Aviation Technologies

   • Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): Offers a viable green alternative to traditional jet fuel, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 100% and contrail formations by 50-70%. However, current production falls short of global demand due to issues like indirect land use change (ILUC) and feedstock availability. High production costs and market risks deter private investment.
   • Hydrogen Aircraft: Limited capabilities and high production costs pose challenges.
   • Electric Aircraft: Requires significant advancements in battery technology and infrastructure.
   • Hybrid-Electric Aircraft: Combines traditional and electric propulsion, but faces similar challenges as electric aircraft.

2. Voluntary Changes in Passenger Behavior: Encouraging behavioral changes among passengers is difficult and requires effective communication and education.

3. Operations and Management: Enhancing operational efficiency through optimized flight routes, altitude and speed management, and reduced runway idling is essential but faces practical limitations.

4. Unclear National Responsibilities: Clear national responsibilities and coordination are necessary for effective policy implementation.

Policy Solutions

1. Promoting the Production and Usage of SAF: Governments should provide financial incentives and support infrastructure development for SAF production and distribution.
2. Advancing Aircraft Technologies: Investment in research and development for emerging technologies like hydrogen and electric aircraft is crucial.
3. Changing Consumer Behavior: Policies to educate and incentivize consumers to adopt greener travel options.
4. Changes in Corporate Travel Policies: Companies should implement policies that encourage sustainable travel practices.
5. Building Sustainable Airports: Development of sustainable airport infrastructure and operations.

Open Questions

1. Sustainable Aviation Technologies: How to address issues like ILUC and feedstock availability?
2. Consumer Behaviors: What effective strategies can be employed to change passenger behavior?
3. Airport Emissions: How to reduce emissions from airport operations and expansions?
4. Countries' Responsibilities: What roles and responsibilities should countries take in promoting greener aviation?

Conclusion

The report underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to reduce the aviation sector's environmental footprint. Addressing challenges through policy and technological innovation is critical for achieving sustainable aviation. Further research is needed to develop effective solutions and ensure long-term environmental sustainability.

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Key Data Points:

• Commercial aviation accounts for 3.5% of overall human-made changes to the Earth's energy balance.
• CO2 emissions from aviation have doubled since the mid-1980s.
• SAF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 100% and contrail formations by 50-70%.
• High production costs and market risks deter private investment in SAF.
• Hydrogen and electric aircraft face significant technological and infrastructure challenges.
• Clear national responsibilities and international collaboration are essential for effective policy implementation.