The two-way effects of climate change

It has recently become apparent just how difficult it is to forecast climate change, and how little is known about the many factors it involves. For a long time now the airline industry has strived to control its environmental and climate effects, and much has been achieved. The work continues and targets are ambitious, whilst climate change imposes its own challenges on air transport as well.

The control of air transport emissions can be divided into four subareas: technological development, operational measures, infrastructure improvement and market-based measures. Within the latter the objective is an international agreement for a collective effort to reduce emissions by purchasing rights until zero-emission flight services are developed through technological development. Finnair monitors the progress of emissions trading, but cost estimates are not possible yet as precise emissions trading rules have still not been agreed upon.

Technological solutions are being pursued and constantly found. Innovations include lighter composite material solutions, new engine technology and biofuels, in which research and development is proceeding rapidly. The intention is fly aircraft with something more sustainable that traditional jet fuel. Infrastructure improvements of air traffic would boost efficiency rapidly. A joint airspace in Europe could reduce emissions by as much as 10-12 per cent, perhaps even more in the future.

Operationally, numerous means are already in use and much new research is underway: flying more slowly, using approach methods (CDA) that reduce noise and emissions, taxiing with one engine, searching for optimal flight levels and planning each flight individually. In future, aircraft may be directed by air-traffic control to routes where, for example, nitrogen oxides and condensation trails could more efficiently be used for climate cooling rather than warming.

Climate change will affect air transport as well, not just vice versa. Many effects are surely impossible to predict, but some trends are evident such as economic and legislative changes. As part of a possibly shifting attitude, reducing flying may become a popular way to affect climate change, and will somehow have to be balanced against the social and economic significance of flying. Weather fluctuations caused by climate change itself may also affect flying. Popular tourism areas and destinations may change, if new weather patterns adversely affect current destinations. Flight and airport operations are affected. In case of extreme phenomena, better forecasting will be required. Rising sea levels could potentially close some airports and technical features of aircraft may have to be revised.

Kati Ihamäki

 

 

Kati Ihamäki
VP Sustainable Development
Finnair

Finnair's challenge for you

Find a sustainable solution to jet kerosene & biomass issues currently facing the aviation industry.

Read more about the challenge here

http://www.globeforum.com/archives/newsletter%5F100331/

At Globe Forum 2010 we will pay extra attention to how business and innovative solutions can help the world stay below the 2 degrees increase in global temperature. We will translate the Global agenda and present viable solutions in sustainable energy that can be adopted by cities and regions all over the world. Focus will be on business opportunities in Solar Power, Nanotechnology and Green ICT.

What: Business Innovation for Sustainable Growth Where: Stockholm When: April 28-29, 2010