Guyana has made significant progress in supplying carbon credits for the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
This was announced by Deputy Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), Saheed Sulaman, during a presentation to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Executive Committee in Canada on Friday.
CORSIA is a global initiative introduced by ICAO to curb emissions from the aviation sector. It aims to stabilize net carbon dioxide emissions from international flights at 2020 levels, with the long-term target of reducing them by 50% by 2050.
Under the scheme, airlines are required to purchase and retire “emissions units” to offset any increase in emissions beyond the established baseline. These offsets represent carbon reductions achieved in other sectors, effectively neutralizing aviation-related growth in emissions.
The programme is being implemented in phases, with participation gradually becoming mandatory. By 2027, most international flights will be required to comply with the system, marking a significant step in the industry’s global climate commitment.
During his presentation, Sulaman emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change.
“Climate change continues to disrupt the lives and livelihoods of small and developing states. The disruption to aviation activities is significant and we must intensify our actions now. We must intensify also our collaboration for common solutions. Guyana supports the LTAG [Long Term global Aspirational Goal] and global framework. In this regard, we have made significant progress in the supply of carbon credits for CORSIA,” he said.
He further pledged Guyana’s support to ICAO’s agenda.
“Guyana supports the common but differentiated responsibilities principle. Guyana strongly supports Working Papers 25, 26, and 27 as presented by ICAO,” Sulaman added.
ICAO’s 193 member states are currently deliberating on strategies to achieve zero fatalities and net-zero carbon emissions, while shaping the future of international air transport amid major technological and operational changes.
The ICAO’s 42nd Assembly runs from September 23 to October 3.
