Voluntary carbon offset programs in aviation: A systematic literature review

A comprehensive literature review on voluntary carbon offsetting (VCO) programs in aviation highlights a predominant focus on offsetters' sociodemographic traits, behavioral triggers, and propensity to pay for offsets, inadvertently overshadowing the critical exploration of policy efficacy. Despite enriching our understanding of air passenger behavior, these studies afford limited insights into the role of VCO programs in enhancing aviation sustainability. The potential of VCO programs to significantly curtail aviation emissions becomes questionable, as increased participation could paradoxically raise offset costs, necessitating public policy intervention. Compounding the challenge is the low level of awareness about VCO programs and the aviation industry's misleading claims, suggesting a propensity toward greenwashing. While air passenger preference leans toward pro-environmental aviation policies and mandatory offsetting, several countries resort to non-earmarked, distance-based air passenger taxes, ostensibly to encourage sustainable travel. This review underscores the urgency for a balanced approach, marrying individual initiatives and structural reforms to effectively manage VCO programs in aviation and yield significant emission reductions. The role of public policy in ensuring transparency in VCO communications is also strongly emphasized.