CO2 emissions
Principal cause of global warming. The United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has confirmed that aviation contributes 2% of the world’s CO2 emissions.
Emissions at altitude have an unknown impact on the environment.
Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) can have both warming and cooling effects. Water vapour in the form of contrails can lead to cirrus cloud formation and could trap outgoing radiation from earth at a greater rate than reflecting incoming radiation from the sun. Alternatively, cirrus clouds could possibly cause global “cooling” and potentially slow the effects of climate change.
Airspace restrictions
Aircraft cannot use the shortest distance between points due to restrictions in airspace. Every minute of flying time knocked off a journey saves 62 litres of fuel and 160kg of CO2 emissions.
Use of fossil fuels
Fossil fuels are a finite resource. The temperature at which biofuels freeze is lower than that of the higher altitudes at which aircraft operate.
Length of time taxiing or idling
Congestion on the ground has escalated in some regions as passenger numbers have increased.
Stacked landing
Capacity constraints at airports mean aircraft spend time circling and burning excess fuel. More efficient landing approach techniques, flight paths and on-the-ground operational programmes to clear runways more quickly are needed.
Heavier loads on aircraft
A large portion weight of comes from cargo and baggage carried. A plane saves 34,000 litres of fuel per year for each kilogramme less in weight per seat.
Source: Flight Daily News
