In the next ten years, climate change will not only affect everything from your sex drive to your worsening allergies, it is now going to make the turbulence on your next flight bumpier! Research suggests that in the second half of this century air travelers will experience greater incidences of turbulence especially on routes between North American and European countries.
Airlines should pay emissions fee
Last year, the European Union (EU) tried to have all airlines that were flying into and out of EU airports pay an emissions fee via a carbon-trading agreement. That attempt nearly caused a trade war.
It was then put on hold for a year in order to avoid any major problems with intercontinental flights.
Clear-air turbulence (CAT) is what we are subjected to when climate change begins to strengthen. According to Dr. Paul Williams of the University of Reading, a stronger jet stream means more clear-air turbulence.
Clear-air turbulence is the most common
Apparently, clear-air is the most common type of turbulence, and can sometimes cause in-flight injuries. Research conducted by Williams proved the severity of all turbulence increases with a warming climate. Severe turbulence on an Aeroflot flight recently injured at least 27 passengers, however, this is not the usual case. During winter months is when you generally get your bumpiest flights.
Airline industry emits loads of C02
As ironic as this may seem, think of all the carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses the airline industry emits every single day, which, of course, contributes heavily to climate change that contributes to the worsening of turbulence. According to Williams, the rise of injuries due to a shaky flight started as early as the 1980's, adding that the evidence they've been collecting needs to be looked at more carefully.
Frequently traveled routes
Frequently traveled routes between Europe and North America are a cause for concern due to the movement of the jet stream being closer to both the north and south poles. Based on the current travel routes, climate change has the potential to impact thousands of flights a day. With increased shaking in airplane cabins airliners will most likely try to avoid known problem areas. This will result in the necessity to increase their fuel intake, making trips longer, more expensive and contributing even more to greenhouse gas emissions.
