Mark Maslin is Professor of Natural Sciences at University College London (UCL) and Ian Hanson is Emeritus Professor at UCL’s Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction.
Many of us feel guilty when we fly, because planes are clearly a source of carbon dioxide emissions. Aviation causes about 2.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. But despite nearly 8% of global concrete manufacturing emissions, we probably won’t feel the same guilt when entering a new building. Or when you hop in a gas car or turn on your gas central heating.
This is because aviation is a highly visible symbol of high carbon consumption, and the aviation industry has been slow to address the issue of climate change so far. According to the United Nations, global warming is expected to reach a maximum of just over 3 degrees Celsius, which will have dire consequences for the planet and our society.
Human-induced global warming has exceeded just 1.5 degrees Celsius. However, science suggests that reducing global emissions by 45% by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050 could nearly maintain this temperature rise.
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Post-COVID-19, the aviation industry will continue to restructure and grow and is expected to become a $1 trillion industry by 2030, but it is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Clear-sky turbulence events in the North Atlantic have increased by 55% since 1979, resulting in significant accidents resulting in deaths, serious injuries, and aircraft damage.
Extreme weather events are not limited there, with extreme rain and flooding affecting airports in the Middle East, and snowfall crippled UK airports and caused significant disruption.
Although the aviation industry is a relatively small contributor to global emissions, the industry is projected to grow at 4% per year in the near future. Without meaningful action, net zero by 2050 will never be achieved. The aviation industry needs to reduce its carbon footprint now, as the new generation of technologies coming into use is not yet proven or implementable.
These five key steps focus on making aviation more sustainable, not just decarbonising, but improving operational efficiency and safety.
1. Optimize flight plans and airspace
Airlines are already using advanced flight planning systems, AI, and optimization software to select the most fuel-efficient routes and altitudes. However, future route optimization could reduce the occurrence of turbulence and associated radiative contrails, improving passenger comfort and safety as well as contributing positively to the environment. there is.
Optimizing aircraft separation and air traffic control flow management to reduce aircraft congestion and arrival delays as aircraft are forced into holding patterns as they wait their turn to land at airports, loading and burning large amounts of fuel. can be prevented.
2. Make your operations more sustainable
The latest generation of commercial aircraft utilizes advanced aerodynamics and engine technology, resulting in significant fuel and emissions savings compared to previous types.
Airlines need to invest in modern, fuel-efficient aircraft as their expansion plans evolve. In the meantime, efficiency can be improved by retrofitting existing aircraft to add wings that reduce induced drag or by introducing new aircraft cabins that reduce weight and improve efficiency.
Airlines and airports are rethinking the distribution of cargo and passengers to maximize efficiency, optimizing weight and center of gravity, and using renewable energy to replace ground-based auxiliary power equipment to reduce noise and air quality. You can also improve it.
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3. Switching to sustainable fuels
The largest source of emissions in the aviation industry remains the combustion of kerosene. Airlines must transition from conventional fuels to sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) on agreed timescales, while ensuring fair access. SAF covers a full range of technologies, from biofuels derived from plants, animals and waste to synthetic fuels such as synthetic kerosene.
Depending on the type of SAF used, CO₂ emissions can be reduced by 20-98% compared to conventional fuels. The quality, reliability and supply of SAF must be guaranteed and ensured.
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4. Make airports greener
Airports can become even more sustainable by using renewable energy such as solar and wind energy to power airport operations, including powering terminals and equipment. Renewable energy can be used to support ground equipment and aircraft, for example with electric aircraft tugs, baggage loading machines, and catering trucks.
Improved ground operations can reduce emissions, such as minimizing aircraft engine idling time while taxiing and using fewer engines when taxiing around airports. It’s possible.
The industry has a tremendous opportunity to design and develop the next generation of sustainable airports. There are 575 existing and new airport projects around the world, totaling US$488bn (£395bn), with more planned over the next 20 years.
5. Smart Travel
The airline industry can make passengers more sustainable by redefining the passenger experience from door to door, not just the time spent at the airport or on a plane. This could include incentives to pick up your luggage from home or take public transportation to the airport.
Help reduce luggage weight by providing basic necessities (such as toiletries) and heavy equipment such as skis, ski helmets, and golf clubs at the final destination instead of having everyone pack their bags. It can be achieved.
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
