Different approaches to reducing aviation emissions: reviewing the structure-agency debate in climate policy

Aviation emissions account for about 2.5% of global carbon emissions, and by 2050, their share could rise to 22%. This review article explores how climate scholars view the role of structural (policy- or business-focused) or agentic (individual-focused) approaches in reducing these emissions. From a structuralist perspective, aviation emissions require policy changes because they reflect regulatory and business failures to address the climate crisis. By itself, individual actions will not significantly reduce emissions. Moreover, focusing on personal (agentic) action might allow governments and firms to disavow their role in the climate crisis. From an agentic perspective, aviation emissions reflect carbon-intensive lifestyles. Even within the existing policy structures, individuals can reduce the carbon footprint of their travel. At the same time, individuals can serve as influencers, voters, and social movement participants to pressure governments and businesses to develop low-emission air travel policies. Rather than viewing agency and structures as distinctly separate approaches, we suggest that they could co-evolve to create pathways to reduce aviation emissions. Policy initiatives can facilitate individual efforts to reduce air travel emissions, and individual action could shape policies structuring their choices.