Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Third Report - Net zero and the UK aviation sector
Environmental Audit Committee
HC 404
Published 21 December 2023
Recommendations
5
Deferred
Para 51
Lay draft statutory instrument defining international aviation and shipping emissions before Parliament
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government lay before Parliament for approval, without further delay, a draft statutory instrument under section 30 of the Climate Change Act 2008 to define the emissions from international aviation and international shipping which are to be …
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Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the recommendation but does not commit to laying the draft statutory instrument. Instead, it discusses the refreshed Airspace Modernisation Strategy and its focus on modernising airspace and enabling new aircraft technologies.
7
Deferred
Commission comparative analysis of UK aircraft emissions models with Climate Change Committee.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government work with the Climate Change Committee and Sustainable Aviation on a comparative analysis of the models underpinning the projections for UK aircraft emissions, so as to reach consensus, as far as possible, on the likely …
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Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees with the recommendation but deflects the request for a comparative analysis of aviation emissions models. Instead, it focuses on the sustainability criteria of the forthcoming Sustainable Aviation Fuel mandate and its efforts to promote high SAF standards internationally.
10
Deferred
Para 78
Maintain and enhance engagement with aviation for 2% annual CO2 reduction monitoring.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government sustain and enhance its engagement with the aviation industry on the delivery of operational efficiencies from current and future fleets of aircraft operating through the UK, to maintain the ambition to secure 2% year- on-year …
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Government Response Summary
The government partially agrees, but focuses instead on its aspiration for zero-emission domestic routes by 2030 and a net-zero target for UK domestic aviation by 2040. It also outlines significant funding for the Aerospace Technology Institute Programme to support low and zero-carbon aircraft technology development.
11
Deferred
Para 79
Intensify DfT and CAA work on airspace modernisation, prioritising environmental sustainability.
Recommendation
We recommend that the Department for Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority intensify their work on airspace modernisation, bearing in mind the overarching principle of environmental sustainability.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees but deflects the specific focus on airspace modernisation. Instead, it details the launch of a multi-year, multi-million aviation non-CO2 research programme to improve understanding and mitigation of non-CO2 climate impacts, with initial calls for academic projects launched in October 2023.
19
Deferred
Para 115
Implement a price support mechanism to incentivise investment in SAF production pathways.
Recommendation
The Government must match its ambition for the development of a domestic SAF industry with an appropriate appetite for risk and innovation in order to ensure that commercial production of truly sustainable fuels develops at pace. The introduction of a …
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Government Response Summary
The government notes the recommendation, referring to prior commitments to introduce a revenue certainty mechanism, with a delivery plan by the end of 2026. It will publish a consultation on options for designing and implementing the mechanism within six months of the Energy Act 2023 Royal Assent.
37
Deferred
Develop policy proposals for aviation demand reduction, including frequent flyer levy.
Recommendation
Should the evidence of the review indicate that technological measures alone will not deliver the emissions reductions predicted, we recommend that Ministers reconsider the role of demand management measures in aviation emissions policy. In preparation for the outcome of that …
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Government Response Summary
The government notes the recommendation but reiterates its current strategy to achieve net zero without limiting aviation growth, stating it will only consider further measures if the sector is not meeting its emissions reductions trajectory.
Conclusions (5)
2
Conclusion
Deferred
We consider that any strategy designed to reduce the impact of UK aviation activity on global warming ought to encompass the environmental effects of aviation in their entirety. We therefore recommend that the Government actively commission, promote and support research into the total environmental effects of aviation, with a view …
Government Response Summary
The government notes the recommendation but responds by stating it will include international aviation and shipping emissions in the Sixth Carbon Budget, legislating for this at the earliest opportunity, rather than committing to actively commissioning and supporting broader research into aviation's total environmental effects.
12
Conclusion
Deferred
We support the Government’s aim to secure net zero in UK airport operations by
Government Response Summary
The government agrees but focuses on enhancing the UK Emissions Trading Scheme for aviation, including phasing out free allocation by 2026. It will also develop and consult on proposals for how the UK ETS should treat Sustainable Aviation Fuel use, exploring alternatives to SAF being zero-rated in the future.
28
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 194
There is considerable dispute over the desirability of policy measures which would reduce UK aviation emissions by reducing the demand for aviation services. The Climate Change Committee has been clear that demand management is the most effective way of reducing aviation CO2 and non-CO2 emissions, and whilst there are a …
Government Response Summary
The government noted the conclusion, stating its Jet Zero Strategy focuses on new fuels and technology rather than limiting aviation growth, but committed to considering further measures if emissions targets are not met.
30
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 196
While the Jet Zero Strategy contains measures to influence consumers towards more sustainable choices, and includes carbon pricing measures which will have an indirect effect on demand, it does not include any policy instruments designed to discourage flying in favour of other modes of travel or of communication. Ministers appear …
Government Response Summary
The government notes the recommendation, reiterating its Jet Zero Strategy focus on new fuels and technology, and states it will only consider further measures if the sector is not meeting its emissions reductions trajectory.
32
Conclusion
Deferred
Para 198
We recognise that the Government’s decision, while consistent with a policy of promoting the UK aviation industry, carries a degree of risk. In order to deliver the emissions reductions foreseen, the high ambition scenario in the Jet Zero Strategy needs to be followed through with vigour and conviction and needs …
Government Response Summary
The government notes the recommendation, reiterating its Jet Zero Strategy focus on new fuels and technology, and states that it will only consider further measures if the sector is not meeting its emissions reductions trajectory.