Combating land drought is a top priority. Soil degradation and biodiversity loss affect us on every level: economically, of course, but also in terms of basic survival. Less fertile soil means fewer resources, more climate refugees, and worse living conditions for more people. Restoring soil that no longer supports vegetation is essential to reversing this trend. “Restored land is land of infinite opportunities,” recently stated Ibrahim Thiaw, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, until May of this year. In the sector that concerns us—aviation—how does the industry help fight desertification, and how does it contribute to slowing it down? Let’s look at the main areas of action.
Aircraft That Extinguish (and Prevent, and Detect) Fires
First, it’s important to position ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) as the central hub for aviation-related initiatives. ICAO coordinates these efforts. When it comes to fires, it’s clear that they are increasing in intensity and scope (just look at the ones that have swept across the Iberian Peninsula in early August). The short-term consequences include the destruction of numerous habitats and material—and sometimes human—losses; in the long term, there are serious environmental impacts on biodiversity, the carbon cycle, and river basins.
In the event of a fire, resources are deployed both on the ground and in the air. Ground-based firefighting, with teams such as forest firefighters, is, as ICAO itself acknowledges, “the primary lever of action,” but aviation plays a key role as well. On one hand, through direct firefighting efforts; on the other, through monitoring and early-warning tools that help prevent fires and, consequently, further desertification. Early detection, surveillance, perimeter cooling, and aerial support for firefighting are just some of the many roles aviation fulfills.
The Proactive Role of Civil Aviation
It is also important to highlight initiatives such as ICAO’s Wildfire Fighting Dialogue. Launched in 2020, this program promotes active, ongoing cooperation among States and the exchange of knowledge to enable faster responses to these disasters. Various international agencies and organizations participate in this dialogue. Key areas identified include improving awareness, public education, and innovation in fire prevention and mitigation systems.
Using Sustainable Fuels
In this blog, we’ve talked extensively about SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel), the most immediate option for decarbonizing aviation and, ultimately, for advancing the fight against desertification. The aviation sector is already transitioning to cleaner energy, with CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) playing a central role. In short, CORSIA is an action plan designed to address any annual increase in CO2 emissions above 2020 levels, with a clear goal of gradually reducing them.
To address concerns surrounding SAF, CORSIA has established sustainability criteria to ensure the responsible use of land and water, while respecting local communities’ rights. Under these guidelines, SAF production must:
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Maintain or improve water quality and availability.
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Preserve biodiversity, conservation value, and ecosystem services.
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Respect land rights and land use, including Indigenous rights.
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Respect existing water use rights.
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Maintain or improve soil health.
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Promote responsible waste and chemical management.
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Contribute to socioeconomic development in impoverished regions.
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Promote food security, especially in areas of food insecurity.
ICAO’s ACT-SAF program provides specialized support to States developing SAF production at all stages, along with knowledge-sharing for SAF initiatives worldwide.
Eligible Emission Units: Another Pillar in Aviation’s Fight Against Desertification
Within the CORSIA framework, which aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, there is a set of measures detailed on the Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge website. What are eligible emission units, and how do they help combat desertification?
In short, eligible emission units (EEUs) are a tool for offsetting aviation emissions. If an operator exceeds its emissions, it compensates by reducing emissions in other sectors—essentially offsetting emissions through measurable and verifiable reductions, such as funding CO2 reduction projects. This ensures that environmental commitments are met.
Iberia and the Environmental Challenge
At Iberia, environmental protection and community well-being are reflected in every decision. Over the past years, key measures include fleet renewal with aircraft that emit less CO2 and consume less fuel, operational efficiency initiatives that are constantly monitored, responsible waste management, reducing weight (and fuel consumption) through digitalization, progressive SAF use, and the development of the Iberia Forest, among others.
Photo | Fahroni