Decarbonizing aviation: This is what the shift to alternative propulsion will require

May 9, 2023

The IEA’s net-zero emissions by 2050 scenario (NZE) sees aviation emissions rising further to the end of the decade.

Migrating to carbon-free aviation fuels would take a solar farm half the size of Belgium - new report by McKinsey and the World Economic Forum. Image: Unsplash/camp0412

Andrea Willige

Senior Writer, Forum Agenda

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Graphic shows direct CO2 emissions from fossil jet kerosene combustion; emissions from biojet kerosene are accounted for as net zero emissions, as per UNFCCC accounting.

CO2 emissions from aviation are on the rise, driven by international flights. Image: International Energy Agency

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What is the World Economic Forum doing to reduce aviation's carbon footprint?

Timeframes to adopt alternative propulsion, by technology up to 2050

Alternative propulsion is expected to ramp up substantially between now and 2050. Image: World Economic Forum

A day in the life of hydrogen-based airport infrastructure

On- and off-airport infrastructure will need to be adapted to meet the needs of electric and hydrogen aircraft. Image: World Economic Forum

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