Sustainable Development in Air Transport: Inequality and Expansion in BRICS Countries

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted by Bruno Garcia Franciscone from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro has highlighted the disparities in air transport system development between Global North and South countries. The study, published in the Journal of BRICS Studies, analyzed the impact of The Carbon Offset Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) on air transport expansion in developing countries, particularly the BRICS nations. The research found that while operational measures, which are more aligned with sustainable development goals, can improve efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions, market measures like CORSIA can restrict the growth of air transport infrastructure in these countries, ultimately affecting their economic growth.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Carbon Offset Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) has a restrictive impact on air transport expansion in developing countries, particularly in the BRICS nations.
  • Operational measures, which are more aligned with sustainable development goals, can improve efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions in air transport systems.
  • The adoption of operational measures in Brazil is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 14.1 million tons by 2025, as calculated using the annual number of arrivals and departures at airports.
  • BRICS countries are more likely to implement operational measures in their air transport systems, given their alignment with the United Nations' sustainable development goals.
  • Technological measures, such as the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), are hindered by high implementation costs and the need to develop a supply chain that can scale production.
  • The Journal of BRICS Studies published a special issue on sustainable development in air transport, focusing on operational improvements and sustainable air transport development in the Global South.

Statistics:

  • 14.1 million tons: The estimated reduction in CO2 emissions from implementing operational measures in Brazil by 2025.
  • 2020: The year in which The Carbon Offset Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) came into effect, stabilizing emissions from international civil aviation.

Sources:

  • "Entrepreneurship and Future Perspectives in BRICS- Operational Improvements and Sustainable Air Transport Development in the Global South" (Journal of BRICS Studies, 2025,4(1))
  • "Studies from Federal University of Rio de Janeiro Describe New Findings in Sustainable Development" (Global Warming Focus, June 9, 2025, p 154)
  • UJ Press (publisher of the Journal of BRICS Studies)
  • Bruno Garcia Franciscone, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro