The aviation industry is a powerful force in the global economy. In fact, according to some estimates, the industry transports the equivalent of nearly half the world’s population every year. But the world’s airports were largely designed for an older era – a cooler one.
As air warms, it becomes less dense, which makes it harder for airplanes to generate lift, which is the force that enables them to fly.
According to a new study by scientists from the University of Reading in the U.K., rising temperatures due to climate change may force aircraft at some airports to reduce passenger numbers in the coming decades.
The research team examined how warmer air affects aircraft performance during takeoff at 30 sites across Europe. The study, which was recently published in the journal Aerospace, focused on the Airbus A320, which is a common aircraft used for short and medium-distance flights across Europe.
By the 2060s, the research team found that some airports with shorter runways may need to reduce their maximum take-off weight by the equivalent of approximately 10 passengers per flight during summer months.
Of the sites included in the study, Chios in Greece, Pantelleria and Rome Ciampino in Italy, and San Sebastian in Spain will be the four most affected popular tourist destinations.
Climate change is also making air travel increasingly turbulent, and the aviation industry itself remains a growing contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions.
Taking meaningful action to curb greenhouse gas emissions, including those from the aviation industry, is one of the most crucial ways to mitigate global climate change.
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Holiday flights could carry fewer passengers as world warms
Photo, posted September 29, 2017, courtesy of Hugh Llewelyn via Flickr.
Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio
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