The effects of global warming on the environment have been well-documented, but the impact on aviation is new.
Wired magazine contributor Amanda Hoover discussed the result of the planet’s warming climate on air travel in a video interview with CBS News.
Navigating the Skies of Climate Change
This is one of the most challenging travel seasons ever experienced by people worldwide.
More than 20,000 flights were delayed or canceled in just one week, according to statistics from Flight Aware, as reported by CBS. Extreme weather events, such as storms and wildfires, are becoming more intense due to climate change.
Hoover stated that there are several ways in which climate change might impact aviation, with thunderstorms being particularly noticeable.
Rising global temperatures increase the amount of moisture in the air, leading to more frequent and intense thunderstorms.
As a result of these weather conditions, flights may be delayed or canceled. Wildfires of extreme intensity have also emerged as a major problem.
The thick smoke from these fires can cause problems for aircraft navigation systems. Delays and cancellations are compounded by invisible turbulence and hot temperatures.
The planes need extra time and distance to take off in intense heat, typically above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Furthermore, runways can buckle with excessive heat, endangering planes. Hoover related a story in which a plane’s tire froze to the melted asphalt of a runway.
Since the causes of these delays are unlikely to go away, air travel will continue to be disrupted not just this summer but also for the foreseeable future.
CBS cautioned that passengers may need to adjust their plans in light of these emerging travel issues. More frequent and intense storms, destructive wildfires, and record-breaking temperatures can all be attributed to the rise in global temperatures brought on by human activity.
These consequences will only worsen as global warming progresses, unfortunately.
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The Urgent Need for Greener Air Travel
Because of their carbon emissions, airlines are already feeling the effects of the crisis. Domestic flights produce almost six times more greenhouse gasses than automobile travel, accounting for 2.5% of all carbon emissions.
Improving aircraft efficiency is essential for tackling this multifaceted issue. But as Hoover noted, this is no easy task and will not produce fast results.
Governments, airlines, and manufacturers worldwide must work together on this. As climate change alters the jet stream and wind patterns, it may also be necessary to modify flight patterns and routes.
While societal shifts are essential, individuals also play a role in slowing global warming.
Personal carbon footprints can be reduced through eco-friendly lifestyle choices, including consuming less single-use plastic, switching to renewable energy sources at home, and using alternative modes of transportation like public transportation, bicycling, or electric automobiles. In the war against global warming, every little bit helps.
We can all take away an important lesson from the effects of climate change on air travel: the choices we make as individuals and as a society have far-reaching repercussions.
Combating this problem will require concerted international action to make air travel greener and lessen its impact on global warming.
It also highlights the critical importance of everyone doing their part to slow climate change before its results become uncontrollably catastrophic.
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