Decarbonizing transportation is the primary challenge of the second phase of energy transitions in Latin America and the Caribbean. In this regard, the aviation industry plays a fundamental role, and we must advance in adopting sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) as part of a global strategy to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change.
As air traffic continues to expand, the implementation of clean technologies and sustainable practices is vital to ensure an ecologically and economically viable future.
Aviation contributes approximately 2% of global CO2 emissions, a figure that may seem modest but is amplified when considering other pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and fine particles.
Air traffic could double in the next two decades, putting more pressure on the industry to reduce its carbon footprint than ever before. Without effective measures, continuous growth in air activity could exacerbate the problem of climate change.
The transition to alternative fuels such as biofuels and advanced technologies, such as synthetic paraffinic kerosene and alcohol-to-jet kerosene, offers a promising solution. These innovations not only have the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions but can also boost economic and social development through job creation and strengthening the agricultural sector.
However, the adoption of sustainable fuels is not a challenge that any one actor can face alone. Global cooperation is required, with the active participation of governments, airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and international organizations.
For the transition to sustainable fuels to be successful, international integration and cooperation are essential. Collaboration allows countries to share resources, knowledge, and experiences, accelerating the development and implementation of sustainable solutions. The Latin American Energy Organization (OLADE), along with organizations such as ICAO and IICA, are key players in promoting the decarbonization of the aviation sector.
International cooperation with a collaborative approach will help establish coherent and convergent regulatory frameworks in the region to create an environment conducive to the investments necessary to develop SAF technologies at scale, thereby creating an aviation industry that is economically and environmentally sustainable and ensuring it remains a driver of the global economy, in harmony with the imperatives of environmental sustainability.
Andrés Rebolledo Smitmans
Olade’s Executive Secretary
