Climate change is significantly impacting air travel, and it’s essential to understand the various ways it’s affecting the industry.
- Rising Temperatures and Air Density: Warmer temperatures are making air less dense, which requires planes to generate more lift to take off. This can lead to weight restrictions, reducing the number of passengers and cargo.
- Extreme Weather Events: Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like hurricanes, wildfires, and floods are causing flight cancellations, delays, and damage to airport infrastructure.
- Shifting Jet Streams and Turbulence: Changes in wind patterns are leading to more severe turbulence, making flights less comfortable and even dangerous.
- Sea-Level Rise and Coastal Airports: Rising sea levels are threatening coastal airports, with 12 of the world’s busiest airports less than five meters above sea level.
- Increased Emissions and Carbon Footprint: The aviation industry’s carbon footprint is growing, with emissions from air travel accounting for about 2% of global energy-related CO2 emissions.
To mitigate these impacts, the aviation industry is exploring sustainable fuels, carbon offset programs, and adapting infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events.
