by Ben Davis
(image source: airspotting.com (Alan Wilson via Flickr) |
In 2016 there were 3.8 billion air travellers. Pre-COVID, this was predicted to reach nearly 7.5 billion air travellers in the year 2035. Air traffic is increasing at an exponential rate and, without pause, will continue to wreak havoc for the environment. So, how can we work to create a more sustainable aviation industry?
The main way in which aviation could (rather easily) become more sustainable is by using biofuels and sustainable alternatives to jet fuel. Currently, jet fuel is used as the primary fuel across the globe. The straw-coloured, low viscosity liquid is composed of multiple hydrocarbons (mostly those classed as kerosene (8-16 C atoms) but also some naphtha (5-15 C atoms)) and burns cleanly and efficiently. The low cost of jet fuel and its clean, highly efficient burn make it the obvious choice for commercial aircraft. Despite jet fuels being efficient, their method of manufacture is the main cause for concern. Jet fuel is sourced from fossil fuels, the finite resource that everyone knows to be a huge carbon sink. Their combustion releases CO2, the most well known greenhouse gas, into the upper atmosphere where it contributes to the enhanced greenhouse effect and subsequent global warming. So, what can we do? The answer lies in biofuels. Biofuels comprise a range of jet fuel alternatives being developed for use in commercial aircraft. They are manufactured from plants and waste, cutting the CO2 emissions of aircraft by up to 98%. Their integration into commercial aviation could have a transformative impact.
Other ways in which aviation can become more sustainable is by continuing to improve and streamline aircraft designs as well as ensuring that passengers are provided adequate options to offset their flights. Aircraft are constantly being innovated by their manufacturers (normally Boeing and Airbus). Small design alterations are introduced with each new generation of aircraft, all claiming to allow for various unprecedented improvements in fuel efficiency. For example, Boeing has made a push in recent years for the integration of (mostly) carbon fibre composite fuselages in their aircraft. The stronger and lighter composites allow for drastically improved fuel efficiency and thus a reduction in the volume of fuel required to propel the aircraft a certain distance through the sky. Additionally, airlines should continue to promote carbon offsetting schemes for their passengers. In layman’s terms, offsetting schemes allow passengers to pay an additional fee with their ticket which can then be used by corporations in projects that combat the detrimental effects their flight has on the environment. Most major airlines now offer offsetting schemes in some form. British Airways, for example, promised to offset all of its domestic UK flights at the beginning of 2020 and has continued to do so into 2021.
In conclusion, aviation needs to change. At our current rate of increase, the 21st century is set to be a generation plagued with air traffic and emissions. Yet, there are glimmers of hope and hopefully within a decade or two, some of these new technologies will be implemented to a noticeable extent. Biofuels are set to axe CO2 emissions from commercial aircraft whilst carbon offsetting will allow passengers to make their own contributions to the repair of our fragile environment.
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