HAVE you ever thought about the carbon footprint of that plane you are getting on with mum and dad as you head for the sun?
Pound to a penny you haven’t, and yet aircraft are a source of global pollution, contributing to climate change.
Indeed, the first new projections of future aircraft emissions in 10 years predict that CO and other gases from air traffic will become a significant source of global warming as they double or triple by 2050.
Berthan Owen, of the journal, ACS’s Environmental Science & Technology, points out that, currently, aviation is not one of the main drivers of global warming, with international aviation (source of 60% of CO emissions from aircraft) not even included in the Kyoto Protocol.
Global air traffic currently contributes 2-3% of CO emissions – the main “greenhouse” gas linked to global warming.
The scientists’ computer model forecasts that emissions of carbon dioxide will likely double or triple within the next 50 years.
By 2100, CO emissions could increase by up to seven times the current levels, they say.
It is noted, too, that, even though there have been significant improvements in fuel efficiency through aircraft technology and operational management, this has been outweighed by the increase in air traffic.
Recommended for you
