International Aviation Smart City Alliance as a global strategy for carbon emissions reduction

Abstract

Climate concerns have been on the global agenda for many years now. With the impact of the aviation sector receiving higher visibility, carbon offsetting and reduction in the international civil aviation sector was introduced by the International Civil Aviation Organization. Their proposed scheme was received with mixed reactions. In this study, we identify issues for carbon emissions reduction in the international aviation sector via a critical analysis of the literature. Results show that meeting carbon emission reduction obligations require some form of social innovation whereby existing structures can be leveraged to meet climate goals. We, therefore, introduce the Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance and adapt it to the international aviation context to illustrate how smart cities have the potential to help and support the international aviation industry meet their carbon emissions reduction obligations.