Sustainability In The Air

Akshat Rathi explains why ‘hard to decarbonise’ is a myth in aviation

Jun 27, 2024

Akshat Rathi, senior climate reporter, debunks the 'hard to decarbonise' myth in aviation, advocating for pricing flights accurately. He explores sustainable aviation fuels, electric aviation, and the industry's pivotal choices for a greener future.

50:44

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Episode guests

Akshat Rathi

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Aviation industry can decarbonize by pricing flights accurately and embracing sustainable aviation fuels.

Sustainable aviation fuels offer a viable solution for decarbonizing the aviation sector, challenging the 'hard to decarbonize' belief.

Deep dives

Sustainable Aviation Fuels: A Viable Solution for Decarbonization

Sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) provide a concrete solution for decarbonizing the aviation industry. The existence and affordability of SAFs mitigate the need for new technologies, focusing instead on cost reduction through increased production. By adopting successful decarbonization strategies from other industries like solar energy, aviation can transition to sustainable practices.

Intro

2min

Exploring Decarbonization in Aviation and Shifting Business Priorities

2min

Discussing the Economics of Climate Action and the Luxury of Air Travel

2min

Debunking the Myth of Aviation's Decarbonization Challenges

5min

Challenges and Sustainability of Aviation Fuel

6min

Challenges and Solutions in Achieving Sustainable Aviation

22min

Strategies for Reducing Emissions and Sustainable Aviation Insights

12min

In this episode, we talk to Akshat Rathi, award-winning senior climate reporter for Bloomberg News. Rathi is the host of Bloomberg’s podcast Zero that explores the policies, tactics and clean technologies pushing for a zero emissions future. He is also the author of the book Climate Capitalism, which tracks the unlikely heroes driving the fight against climate change.

Rathi argues that for years the aviation industry has sheltered behind the label of being “hard to decarbonise”, which is not only a misconception, but has also stalled the industry’s progress towards net zero emissions. He advocates for correctly pricing flights to account for their true environmental cost, a move that could bring an end to “ridiculously” cheap flight tickets.

Rathi also discusses the potential of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in decarbonising aviation and the need to overcome cost barriers through policy support and corporate commitment. Further, he delves into the role of electric aviation in transforming short-haul travel and regional aviation.

In Rathi’s view, the aviation industry stands at a crossroads, and the choices made now will determine not just the future of flying, but our ability to meet global climate targets. As he puts it, “We have to start to think about those technologies, because we do need decarbonised solutions.”

If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversation we had with Dan Rutherford, Senior Director of Research at the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), who shares the latest developments, partnerships, and challenges in reducing aviation emissions and achieving net zero by 2050. Check it out here.

Learn more about the innovators who are navigating the industry’s challenges to make sustainable aviation a reality, in our new book ‘Sustainability in the Air’. Click here to learn more.

Feel free to reach out via email to podcast@simpliflying.com. For more content on sustainable aviation, visit our website green.simpliflying.com and join the movement. It’s about time.

Links & More:

Zero - Bloomberg

The Airline Industry’s Biggest Climate Challenge: A Lack of Clean Fuel - Bloomberg

‘Magical thinking’: hopes for sustainable jet fuel not realistic, report finds - The Guardian

How to rethink tourism and aviation for a greener future - SimpliFlying