CORSIA

Full form: Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation.

• Launched by: International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialised agency of the United Nations.
• Adopted: 2016 by the ICAO Assembly.
• Objective: To address the growth of CO₂ emissions from international aviation and support carbon-neutral growth.
• Nature: A global market-based measure that requires aircraft operators to offset covered emissions through eligible emissions units.
• Scope: International flights; it does not apply to domestic aviation.
• Monitoring: Airlines monitor, report and verify their CO₂ emissions.

Implementation phases

• During the pilot and first phases, offsetting applies to routes between participating States.
• From 2027, the second phase applies more broadly, subject to specified exemptions.
• The baseline for the pilot phase was based on 2019 emissions; for 2024–2035, it is 85% of 2019 emissions.

India and CORSIA

• India’s position: India did not participate in the voluntary phases and is preparing for the mandatory phase beginning in 2027.
• Responsible bodies: Ministry of Civil Aviation and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), along with other relevant ministries and stakeholders.
• Compliance options: Airlines can use eligible Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to reduce emissions or purchase eligible carbon credits to meet offsetting obligations.

Prelims MCQs

Q1. CORSIA is associated with which organisation?

A. UNFCCC

B. International Civil Aviation Organization

 C. International Maritime Organization

 D. World Meteorological Organization

Answer: B. International Civil Aviation Organization

Explanation: ICAO is a specialised UN agency responsible for international civil aviation.

Q2. Consider the following statements about CORSIA:

1. It applies to international aviation, not domestic flights.
2. It was adopted in 2016.
3. It is a global market-based measure to address aviation CO₂ emissions.
4. It is administered by the International Maritime Organization.

Which of the statements are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only

 B. 1, 2 and 3 only

 C. 2, 3 and 4 only

 D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: B. 1, 2 and 3 only

Explanation: CORSIA was adopted under ICAO, not the International Maritime Organization.

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