The GuardianThe Guardian

The six problems aviation must fix to hit net zero

By Jocelyn Timperley

05 Sep 2021 · 8 min read

With passenger numbers growing and time to slash emissions dwindling fast, the industry must tackle urgent stumbling blocks on fuel, frequent flyers and more

Jocelyn Timperley Sun 5 Sep 2021 14.00 BST 455 Aviation tanked in 2020. The number of people taking flights fell by three quarters compared with 2019 levels and as a result there was a significant drop in greenhouse gas emissions from aviation. But as countries open up and people begin to fly again, aviation is expected to see a slow climb back to previous levels. The industry anticipates a return to 2019 passenger numbers globally by 2023 and to be back on track with previous growth projections within a couple of decades.

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