Geologically Balanced Fuels: Equity, justice, and public perceptions

Aviation is important for sustainable development, helping deliver goods and services to places quicker and more efficiently. In 2022, aviation accounted for only 2% of global CO₂ emissions [1]. Although demand for aviation is projected by the industry to grow considerably up to 2030 [2], the aviation sector is considered to be one that will be ‘hard to decarbonise’ but needing to decarbonise nevertheless. As of 2018 (i.e. before the disruption by the COVID-19 pandemic), only 2–4% of the global population flew internationally, meaning that 1% of the world population emitted 50% of CO₂ from commercial aviation [3]. This demonstrates the urgent need to identify ways to decarbonise the aviation sector equitably. The aviation sector provides a unique opportunity to examine questions around what types of net zero outcome are accepted, valued and championed, and how principles of equity and justice can be operationalised in this sector.