On August 14th, the 2025‘Climate x’ Leadership Training Program, hosted by the Global Alliance of Universities on Climate, successfully held a live session on Climate x Nature, focusing on sustainable aviation fuels.

Prof. Fabio S. Toniolo is an Associate Professor at COPPE/UFRJ, specializing in heterogeneous catalysis for C1 chemistry, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, and biomass valorization, with extensive industry collaborations and recognition as a FAPERJ Young Scientist and CNPq Researcher. His session covers aviation's climate impact, the role of SAFs in decarbonization, production pathways, catalysis, Power-to-Liquid strategies, and youth-driven innovation for a net-zero future.

Prof. Fabio stressed the urgency of defossilizing aviation to meet IATA’s 2050 net-zero target, identifying sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) as the most practical near-term option since they require no major changes to existing infrastructure or aircraft. We took a chemical deep dive into key production pathways—FT, HEFA, AtJ, PtL—and expanded earlier carbon cycle models to include CCUS as a feedstock source. While SAFs offer clear environmental benefits, he noted their economic viability hinges on strong policy and regulatory support. Highlighting Brazil’s potential leadership, he suggested redirecting its ethanol, currently used in cars that could be electrified, towards aviation fuel production.

The 2025 Climate x Leadership Training Program, hosted by the Global Alliance of Universities on Climate (GAUC), and strategically supported by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and GAUC's global partners, aims to empower youth with the knowledge, skills, and tools to become the climate leaders of tomorrow. The program inspires participants to envision a sustainable future, take meaningful action, and unlock their potential as leaders for a carbon-neutral future.

Entering the next week, the ‘Climate x’ Leadership Training program will bring two lectures focusing on Climate x Adaptation & Mitigation. The first lecture, scheduled at August 18th, will be delivered by Prof. Siobhan from Australia National University.

Reporter: Maximilian Arras

Editor: Najiang An

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