Feature

Reducing climate change caused by shipping and aviation

Research conducted at the University of Manchester’s Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research has been used to drive policy changes in the shipping and aviation sectors, bringing greenhouse gas emissions targets more in line with the Paris Agreement.

07/01/2025 10:55:43

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Challenging a costly oversight
Previously, greenhouse gas emissions from the international aviation and shipping sectors were largely unregulated and considered by many to be unproblematic minor
sources.

Research led by Alice Larkin, Professor of Climate Science and Energy Policy, highlighted that the aviation sector produces 10 percent of UK CO2 emissions. Without intervention,
this is likely to increase to levels incompatible with the UK and global CO2 mitigation targets.

The study identified similar challenges within the shipping sector, but highlighted greater
potential for finding technical and operational solutions. Larkin concluded that it was necessary to set ambitious CO2 targets for both aviation and shipping, as a matter of
urgency.

Research, funded by the North West Regional Development Agency, was also conducted to explore the regional distribution of aviation emissions in the UK.

Read the full article in DPA's January 2025 issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.