With an annual growth rate of 14 percent, Vietnam Civil Aviation is amongst the fastest growing in the world. It’s also one of the important economic sectors of the country, significantly contributing to economic and social development. However this rapid growth has led to the rise of CO2 emissions, which cause the greenhouse effect. CO2 emission into the atmosphere is one of the main reasons behind global warming.
Civil aviation emissions come from operation of airplanes and ground equipment, as well as other non-aviation activities. Of which, CO2 emissions from airplanes account for up to 70 percent. Therefore, it’s crucial to develop and implement the National Action Plan on Civil Aviation Emissions, which will play a significant role in the integration for development and the adaptation to climate change of the sector.
According to reports on the consultation seminar on the draft of the National Action Plan on Civil Aviation Emissions (2016-2030) held in Hanoi recently, aviation was one of the sectors with high CO2 emissions causing greenhouse effect. According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the development trend of aviation showed no signs of slowing down and the CO2 emissions worldwide were projected to triple by 2050.
Mr Barkhodir Burkhanov, Deputy Country Director of UNDP Vietnam, said that Vietnam aviation’s investment in climate action was an investment in real business opportunities. “Reducing CO2 emissions are directly related to reducing the use of fuel - the basic cost for any airline. This will help increase the competitiveness of the sector. Improving energy efficiency of airports will promote long-term cost reduction, technological innovation, and as shown by evidence, customer satisfaction,” said Mr Barkhodir Burkhanov.
According to the draft plan, Vietnam aviation would implement some solutions in order to reduce CO2 emissions such as using aircraft and engines applying new, fuel economical technologies; perfecting air traffic management and the use of infrastructure; reducing airplane weight, the use of reverse blowing system and using one engine when running on the ground; improving aircraft maintenance; putting into operation the ground power suppliers and the APU substitute cooling equipment; completing the transformation of ground equipment to ground engine run by electricity, gas, biofuels, solar energy, reduce travel distance to avoid wasting equipment’s power; establishing the measuring, reporting and verification systems (MRV) for CO2 emissions at airlines, in airports, at businesses and organizations of the sector that emit CO2.
Quynh Anh
Vietnamese
