Introduction
The issue of climate change is one of the most complex and significant challenges for most countries across the globe. The shift is already associated with the risk of life-threatening weather, such as floods and heat waves. For this reason, the issue of climate change and its impact on the aviation industry has been a developing story lately due to the two-way relationship between them. Since aircraft entirely operate on the lower stratosphere and the troposphere, they are potentially affected by the changes occurring within the two layers. Some of these shifts include vertical spreading of both pressure and temperature alongside a difference in the spatial patterns (Ryley et al., 2020). Other possible changes that potentially impact aviation are wind direction and strength, humidity, turbulence levels, and weather characteristics.
Near-Surface Winds
Using the air transport perspective, near-surface winds are significant in the direct runaway vicinity. Such winds are mainly evidenced in national and, at other times, local archives. Since most of the runaways are constructed with proper consideration of the pattern of the historical winds, it is evident that the wind speed and direction change the landing and take-off of aircraft (Ryley et al., 2020). Looking at the combined effect of wind and near-surface temperatures, there is increased take-off distance, and in situations where runaways are smaller, there is a reduction in payload. This occurs due to reducing magnitude, rising temperatures, and changing wind direction.
In addition, shifts in the pathway and speed of the most common jet stream lead to increased air turbulence in aircraft. In this case, the jet stream stands for a substantial westerly wind estimated to be moving at 320km/h over the earth’s surface (Ryley et al., 2020). The change in speed due to climatic shifts is known for reducing the eastbound trips while increasing the westbound. This implies an increase in fuel burn, flight time, and other challenges relating to slot management and planning.
The Sea-Level Changes
A rise in sea level resulting from the continuous melting of glaciers and ice caps alongside thermal expansion is well known for its effects on aviation. In areas where occurrences such as storm surges, rise in sea level, tropical storms, and massive monsoons are rampant, the airport viability is significantly threatened (Gössling & Humpe, 2020). These effects are more likely to be experienced in coastal areas due to increased storm precipitation. In these regions, proper planning of airports will require climatologic and hydrological experts.
The rise in sea levels can potentially reduce airport capacity temporarily or permanently. In this case, network disruption is likely where the mainly used transport connections to airports would be impacted. To curb these would imply an increase in operating costs due to such practices as airport relocation, construction of sea defenses, and secondary landing fields. The change in sea levels is expected to rise in the future, creating a need for more stringent measures.
Conclusion
The change in climate, especially in terms of wind strength, direction, and high temperatures, is significantly affecting the aviation industry in aircraft performance levels. For this reason, airline staff must be trained on the existing metrological changes resulting from climate change and how to respond during disruptions (Gössling & Humpe, 2020). Moreover, the industry will also need to change its schedules depending on the seasons. The issue of heating and cooling also should be considered, particularly in surface material and terminal design. Therefore, it is evident that global climate change exists, which poses significant threats to the aviation industry worldwide. The best remedy will call for the collaboration and involvement of all firms in aircraft operations.
References
Gössling, S., & Humpe, A. (2020). The global scale, distribution and growth of aviation: Implications for climate change. Global Environmental Change, 65, 102194. Web.
Ryley, T., Baumeister, S., & Coulter, L. (2020). Climate change influences on aviation: A literature review. Transport Policy, 92, 55-64. Web.