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ACTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
People have been using aircraft for the past one hundred years – and they are not likely to stop any time soon. The growth of the aviation industry has also spurred on the development of the global economy and made people more mobile. However, as with all other means of transport, flying pollutes the environment. Air traffic accounts for approximately two percent of global Co2 emissions. In the recent past, not only has society’s awareness of the need to protect the environment grown, but the aviation industry has been constantly looking for new ways to save energy and reduce Co2 emissions.
Today’s aircraft are 20 decibels quieter than comparable aircraft 40 years ago. Over the next decade, a further reduction in noise is expected. In addition, under the Kyoto Protocol the European Union is committed to lowering its emissions by an average of eight percent by 2012 compared with 1990. Future improvements by airlines such as by using more economical aircraft engines and lighter materials can lower fuel consumption by a further two to six percent. Research programmes by the industry are aiming at achieving further fuel and Co2 reductions of 50 percent and a lowering of NOx emissions by 80 percent by 2020. Airports and airlines are urging governments and local authorities to implement more environmentally friendly ways to access airports, such as by improving the connection by public transport.
What air traffic might look like in the future is currently being researched in the laboratory. For example, hydrogen cell systems are being developed, which could replace today’s method of powering aircraft and reduce emissions by up to 75 percent.
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| 07/06/2011 |
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