turbulence

Airplane Turbulence And Climate Change | Earth Wise

July 4, 2023 By EarthWise Leave a Comment

If you’ve ever been on an airplane, chances are pretty good that you’ve experienced turbulence. As the busy summer travel season kicks off, travelers are being encouraged to brace themselves for a bumpier-than-usual ride.

There has been a major increase in the number of severe turbulence cases on both domestic and international flights. According to a new study by researchers from the University of Reading in the U.K., climate change is leading to this increase in turbulence, driving up costs (via wear and tear on aircrafts), and increasing the risks for passengers and flight attendants. In the United States alone, turbulence costs the airline industry $150-$500 million annually.

The study, which was recently published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, found that warmer air, caused by carbon emissions, is creating bumpier flights around the world. In fact, the study found that severe turbulence in the North Atlantic is up by 55% since 1979.

The changing climate is affecting air travel in other ways as well. A faster jet stream across the Atlantic is altering travel times. Rising temperatures are reducing the weight that aircraft can carry. Rising seas are threatening low-lying coastal airports around the world.

But carbon emissions from aviation are also a significant driver of the climate crisis. Air travel accounts for approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, and is one of the fastest growing sources of emissions. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization, emissions from international air travel are expected to triple by 2050.

The future is shaping up to be a bumpy ride.

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Web Links

Climate crisis leading to more turbulence during flights, says study

Evidence for Large Increases in Clear-Air Turbulence Over the Past Four Decades

Climate Scientist Explains Increase In Airplane Turbulence

Airports and Rising Seas

Photo, posted May 9, 2018, courtesy of Steve Lynes via Flickr.

Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio

The Clean Energy Transition Is Accelerating | Earth Wise

December 2, 2022 By EarthWise Leave a Comment

The world’s economies including its energy markets have been in turmoil in recent times but despite the chaotic conditions, the shift to clean energy is gaining momentum. This year, for the first time, the world is investing more in wind and solar power than in oil and gas drilling. Investments in renewables are expected to reach $494 billion this year, more than the $446 billion directed towards oil and gas extraction. It is rather sobering to realize that the world is still spending nearly half a trillion dollars a year to dig up more oil and gas.

According to the International Energy Agency, there will be an estimated 340 gigawatts of new renewable power capacity installed in 2022. This is roughly equal to the total installed power capacity of Japan, which has the world’s third-largest economy. This year is also seeing tremendous growth in electric cars, which are projected to make up 13% of all light-duty vehicle sales across the globe.

According to analysis by Bloomberg Green, 87 countries are now getting at least 5% of their power from wind and solar. This number is considered to be a critical tipping point at which emerging technologies become more widely adopted. The United States reached that 5% threshold in 2011. Last year, our country surpassed 20% solar and wind power. If we follow trends set by pioneering countries like Denmark, Ireland, and others, wind and solar will supply at least half of our power within the next decade.

Despite the turbulence in global energy markets, the shift to clean power is ongoing. Estimates are that global spending on renewables will double over the next 10 years.

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Web Links

Despite Turmoil in Energy Markets, the Shift to Clean Energy Is Gaining Steam

Photo, posted June 12, 2013, courtesy of Activ Solar via Flickr.

Earth Wise is a production of WAMC Northeast Public Radio

Airports and Rising Seas

October 18, 2018 By EarthWise Leave a Comment

There are many low-lying coastal airports around the world. These airports are increasingly vulnerable to the rising sea levels and the more extreme weather brought about by climate change.

Wind Farms And Ordinary Farms

January 18, 2017 By EarthWise

Farmers in many places have found additional sources of income by allowing wind turbines to be built on their land. One example is the Amazon Wind Farm, which is a massive project of over 100 turbines near Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The 494-foot tall turbine towers scattered over 34 square miles are rising up above farms that grow corn, wheat and soybeans. It is the first utility-scale wind farm in the Southeast.