Strap In! Climate Change is Making Plane Turbulence Worse

Climate change is causing more turbulence in the skies, and that could lead to bumpier and more expensive flights. The reason? Climate change has altered the jet stream, resulting in more unpredictable clear-air turbulence that is difficult to detect. Severe turbulence is extremely dangerous for passengers and flight attendants, and it has been increasing in recent years, with pilots reporting an average of 5,500 encounters with severe or greater turbulence annually. Clear-air turbulence tends to develop around upper-level jet streams, where planes typically fly, and changing global temperatures have already increased wind shear by 15% since 1979, playing a major role in turbulence.

According to a meteorologist and PhD student at the University of Reading, Isabel Smith, who authored an article on clear-air turbulence trends over the North Atlantic, weather researchers predict clear-air turbulence will double by 2050, with severe turbulence increasing the most. In addition to the risks posed to passengers and flight attendants, airlines may have to reroute and take longer paths to avoid turbulence, which could lead to increased cost. Avoiding turbulence may cost airlines an additional $22 million dollars each year, with extra emissions of 70 million kilograms of CO2.

Despite the increasing risk of turbulence, experts say it is unlikely that flying will become more dangerous because of climate change. Newly emerging technology is expected to make it easier to detect clear-air turbulence in the coming decades, and air routing systems will likely adjust so flights avoid highly-turbulent areas. While there may be more turbulence in the future, it is much more likely to be light turbulence, which won’t cause any serious injuries. However, it is still important to buckle up at all times, even when the seatbelt sign is off.

This is just one of many ways that Climate change is affecting the world we live in. As individuals, we can take steps to reduce our carbon footprint by being mindful of our energy use, reducing waste, and supporting sustainable practices. We can also call on our governments and industries to take action on Climate change by transitioning to renewable energy sources and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The more we work together, the better chance we have of creating a sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.

Planet B Not Found Tee by Tiny Rescue: Climate Collection

Related Content:

• Artists Take on Climate Change: Global Exhibits with an Eco Twist
• Home Insurers Are Abandoning Vulnerable Communities Due to the Impact of Climate Change
• Heartland Institute Sends 8,000 Middle and High School Teachers Book That Denies Climate Change
• 7 Ethically and Sustainably-Made Climate Change Themed Tees
• Scientists Believe Mass 2020 Migratory Birds Death Due to Climate Change

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade over and over again.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!