UK net zero emissions pathway for international aviation and shipping 1990-2037

In late 2021, the UK government published its Net Zero Strategy which set out how the country plans to reach net zero emissions by 2050. As of 2019, international aviation and shipping emissions in the United Kingdom had increased by roughly 88 percent, relative to 1990. Therefore, cutting emissions from these sectors will be crucial.

Emissions reductions from aviation and shipping will come from improved efficiency and the uptake of low carbon fuels. As part of its Net Zero Strategy, the uptake of renewable hydrogen will be encouraged in the UK maritime sector, as well as phasing out the sale of new non-zero emission domestic shipping vessels.

The UK also aims to commercialize sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which has the potential to significantly reduce aircraft emissions. The government announced plans to support the industry by investing heavily in the development of SAF plants. However, it will be difficult to decarbonize the aviation industry completely by 2050.