Between Ambitions and Reality: Strict CORSIA Standards Hinder the Development of Climate Projects

CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) is a global program developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to reduce CO₂ emissions in the aviation sector. The primary goal of CORSIA is to achieve carbon neutrality in international aviation from 2020 onward. The program requires airlines to compensate for their emissions by purchasing carbon credits generated by climate projects that comply with ICAO’s strict requirements.

However, not all climate projects qualify for CORSIA. According to an updated ICAO Council document, carbon credits from certain types of projects are excluded from the first phase of CORSIA implementation (compliance period: 2024–2026).

Most notably, nature-based carbon credits have been excluded, including reforestation and afforestation projects (forest-climate projects). Additionally, several promising technological projects such as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and hydrofluorocarbon capture have been banned. Furthermore, projects related to grid-connected renewable electricity generation/supply exceeding 15 MW capacity—whether from individual units or a group of installations—have also been excluded.

The table below summarizes the projects currently ineligible for the CORSIA program across key registries:

Registry	Project Types Excluded from CORSIA (2024–2026)
GCC	1) Reforestation and afforestation projects. 2) REDD+ projects. 3) Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) projects. 4) Nuclear energy projects. 5) Hydrofluorocarbon capture projects.
Gold Standard	All nature-based projects, except for soil organic carbon, agriculture, and livestock projects.   Engineered removals (CO₂ sequestration through engineering methods).
Verra	1) All nature-based projects, except for soil organic carbon, blue carbon, pastureland, improved forest management, peatlands, and methane reduction from enteric fermentation, as well as reforestation and afforestation projects in non-REDD+ countries (i.e., temperate climate regions).  2) Certain clean cookstove projects (AMS-II.G / VMR0006 methodologies).

The overly stringent requirements pose significant barriers to the development of new climate projects and negatively impact the achievement of carbon neutrality goals in international aviation. The reduction in eligible methodologies not only limits innovation but also drives up the cost of carbon credits due to reduced supply in the market.

This could slow down the transition to a sustainable future and increase financial burdens on airlines, raising the need for a reevaluation of the balance between environmental efficiency and the practical feasibility of CORSIA standards. Therefore, achieving the program’s objectives will require finding an optimal solution that encourages the development of diverse climate initiatives without unnecessary complications.