For the first time, researchers have utilized big data to calculate per-country greenhouse gas emissions from aviation for 197 countries covered by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. While high-income countries were required to report their aviation emissions under this treaty, 151 middle and lower income countries, including China and India, were not mandated to report them. This new data helps fill reporting gaps and provides valuable information for policy-making and negotiations concerning emissions reductions. China, for example, despite not reporting its 2019 aviation emissions, was found to be the second-largest emitter of aviation-related emissions after the United States.
The analysis also revealed that economic wealth correlates with higher aviation activity, as demonstrated by the distribution of emissions per capita. The United States, the wealthiest nation in the study, topped the list in terms of total aviation emissions for both international and domestic flights. Interestingly, wealthy Norway ranked third overall, behind the US and Australia, when domestic emissions were calculated on a per-capita basis. A significant portion of Norway’s domestic flights were found to be between major cities, highlighting the country’s high per person emissions and the need for mitigation efforts.
One key aspect of the study was demonstrating the potential of big data in regulating climate emissions, as it allows for instant emissions modeling and real-time monitoring of aviation emissions. The AviTeam model, developed for this analysis, is the first to provide emissions information for 45 lesser-developed countries that have not previously inventoried their aviation emissions. This data is crucial for these countries and can help guide decision-making on emissions reduction strategies, especially as the aviation industry transitions towards decarbonization through the adoption of new fuels and technologies.
Norway, despite its unique geography, was found to have high domestic aviation emissions per capita, indicating the need for targeted mitigation measures within the country. By using big data to identify high-emitting corridors or operations, countries can strategically prioritize testing new emission reduction strategies in the aviation sector. The ability to calculate aviation emissions in nearly real-time could also facilitate the industry’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and meet climate goals.
Overall, this study highlights the importance of utilizing big data to gain a comprehensive understanding of aviation emissions on a global scale. By filling reporting gaps and providing crucial information, researchers hope to inform policy decisions and improve negotiations on emissions reductions. The potential of big data in modeling and monitoring emissions in real-time offers valuable insights for countries, especially those with limited resources, to take proactive steps towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions from aviation and combatting climate change.
