Although I'm not in the aviation industry, sustainability has always been at the forefront of my values. From reducing my carbon footprint to supporting eco-friendly initiatives, I’ve been passionate about protecting our environment. However, when I decided to pursue a certification in International Aviation Sustainability (IASC), I was hesitant. After all, I’m not an aviator, nor have I ever worked in the aviation industry. So, why aviation? The answer lies in the bigger picture of sustainability and its impact on every industry.
Aviation might not seem like the most obvious focus for someone outside the field, but as I dove deeper into WISA's eLearning courses, it became clear that the industry is one of the most crucial to consider. With its significant carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels, aviation has a major role to play in climate change. What fascinated me, however, was the growing movement within the sector to tackle these challenges head-on. From sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) to carbon offsetting programs, I realized that aviation is on the verge of an environmental revolution—and I wanted to understand how I could be part of that learning from new perspectives.
Stepping into the world of aviation sustainability felt like entering unfamiliar territory. I had no background in aerospace engineering or flight operations, but I did have a deep curiosity about how different industries can contribute to a greener future. Through the IASC, I learned about the technological innovations and regulatory changes pushing aviation toward sustainability. I studied green airports, fuel efficiency measures, and emission reduction strategies that could make flying more eco-friendly in the coming decades.
It was eye-opening to see the parallels between the sustainability challenges in aviation and those in other sectors. Although aviation’s environmental impact is substantial, how it tackles these challenges—through international collaboration, technological advancement, and policy advocacy—offers valuable lessons for sustainability efforts in any industry.
One of the biggest takeaways from this journey was that sustainability isn’t confined to a single sector or discipline. Whether it’s aviation, agriculture, or urban development, every industry plays a part in creating a more sustainable world. By venturing into aviation, I gained a broader understanding of global sustainability issues, and this knowledge will only strengthen my contributions to other areas I’m passionate about.
I may not be an aviator, but learning about aviation sustainability has given me new insights and tools that I can apply to various environmental initiatives. It also reinforced the idea that we don’t have to be industry experts to make a difference. Sometimes, stepping outside our usual interests helps us see the bigger picture.
Looking forward, the aviation sector still has a long way to go on its sustainability journey, but its efforts to decarbonize and innovate inspire optimism. Earning this certification wasn’t just about adding a new qualification to my resume. It was about expanding my perspective on how sustainability can and should be integrated into every facet of our world, even those we might not personally engage with daily.
By broadening my understanding of the challenges and solutions in aviation, I now feel better equipped to contribute to the global conversation on sustainability, regardless of the field I’m working in. After all, sustainability is not just the responsibility of one industry or one group of people—it’s something we all need to work toward, no matter where our passions lie.