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Thursday, January 9th, 2020

CO2 from jet fuel is soaring 4 times faster: what can save the day?

Author:     Barry Saxifrage
Source:     Canada's National Observer (Canada)
Publication Date:     | January 7th 2020
 Link: CO2 from jet fuel is soaring 4 times faster: what can save the day?
Stephan:   The world is very quickly getting to a place where limitations on carbon powered aircraft will have to be imposed, and this will be largely modulated by the success of electric aircraft. This is a serious world problem, and here is the latest data.

Real-time flight mapping by flightradar24.com — December 18, 2019

The global aviation industry has started burning jet fuel like there is no tomorrow. Its climate pollution is rocketing upward. And hoped-for “solutions” like biofuels and electric planes are being buried by the rising flood of emissions. In response, a growing number of climate-concerned people, including the world’s most famous climate champion, Greta Thunberg, are advocating for less flying.

If you’re interested in an illustrated guide to the hot topic of soaring flight pollution and what’s being done about it, you’re in luck. I’ve read dozens of detailed reports, built the geeky spreadsheets and created a series of charts that tell the story.

CO2 taking off

Let’s start by looking at the dramatic rise in climate pollution from global aviation. My first chart shows past and projected CO2 data from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Jet fuel CO2 since 1990, with projections to [...] </p> </div> <div class=Read the Full Article

3 Comments

  1. david axtell on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at 7:06 am

    Why does no one mention the possibility of airships? The days of the Hindenberg are long past. Airships can be built now that are much safer, much faster and much more efficient than in the 1930’s. They can also be powered by solar cells or alternative fuels. They are admittedly slower than jets, but do we have to get everywhere instantly? I take the train when I can because it is hugely more efficient than jet airliners, but I would love to be able to take an airship overseas.

  2. sam crespi on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at 7:54 am

    Sustainable jet fuel is being talked about as a new option. I haven’t yet done major research on this, but it seems to have the potential for positive change. Jet Blue just announced they are switching their domestic flights this year will be using sustainable fuel purchased from Neste. British Airways has made a similiar announcement and all domestic flights in Norway are required to use sustainable fuel. I believe this is just the beginning and we will see large increase in this trend.

  3. Rev. Dean on Friday, January 10, 2020 at 7:00 pm

    I have been telling people about the increased pollution of planes for decades.