“Rising Air Turbulence: A Climate Change Crisis in the Skies”
In recent months, a series of incidents involving severe turbulence on commercial flights have raised concerns about the safety of air travel, particularly in South Asia. The latest incident occurred in June on a Singapore Airlines flight, where one passenger with a heart condition tragically lost their life due to the turbulence. This incident follows similar occurrences on flights from Mumbai to Kolkata in India and Karachi to Peshawar in Pakistan, where passengers were left injured and traumatized.
Scientists and experts are pointing to a potential link between increased air turbulence and climate change. According to research, rising global temperatures and environmental degradation are creating unstable atmospheric conditions that lead to unpredictable turbulence, especially around major airports. The impact of climate change on clear-air turbulence (CAT) has been highlighted, with warmer air caused by carbon dioxide emissions strengthening turbulence globally.
Experts emphasize the need for improved early warning systems and detection instrumentation on aircraft to anticipate and respond to turbulence effectively. The aviation industry in South Asia is experiencing significant growth, with forecasts predicting a substantial increase in passenger journeys in the coming years. However, the industry is also facing risks from climate change, including extreme weather events and hazards for airport workers.
Efforts are being made to make the aviation industry more environmentally friendly, with a focus on reducing carbon emissions and contrails that contribute to global warming. Initiatives such as sustainable aviation fuels, hydrogen-powered aircraft, and green technology for engines are being explored to mitigate the industry’s environmental impact. The goal is to create a more sustainable and efficient aviation sector that can adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.
As air travel continues to expand in South Asia and around the world, addressing the impact of climate change on aviation safety and sustainability will be crucial. Collaboration between industry stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers is essential to ensure the future of air travel remains safe and environmentally responsible.