Air travel has experienced unprecedented expansion and has become an integral part of the modern lifestyle. You can fly from some islands to others It is a key means of transport for both goods and passengers, especially in the tourism sector. This ease of movement generates significant economic and social benefits, but comes at a high cost. EnvironmentalMany people are unaware of how much pollution an airplane produces, and this lack of knowledge is problematic in view of the growing need to reduce the environmental impact of all our activities.
In this article, we'll break down how much air pollution there is, comparing it to other modes of transport and looking at measures being taken to reduce this pollution.
How much does a plane pollute?
Currently, aircraft are responsible for approximately 2% of total global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. However, according to European Environment AgencyGreenhouse gas emissions from international aviation have doubled since 1990, and are expected to increase further in the future.
To get a better idea of how much pollution airplanes cause, it is crucial to understand several factors that directly influence the amount of CO2 generated by a flight:
- Distance traveled: Long flights emit proportionally fewer pollutants per kilometre and passenger, due to the efficiency in fuel consumption when the aircraft reaches its cruising altitude.
- Number of takeoffs and landings: These are the times when planes burn the most fuel. Short flights require more takeoffs and landings, which increases emissions per kilometer.
- Aircraft occupancy: a full plane emits fewer pollutants per passenger.
For example, a round trip flight between New York and Madrid on an aircraft with capacity for between 150 and 300 passengers generates around 900 to 1.350 tons of CO2, a considerable figure if we take into account the cumulative impact of all the flights that occur daily around the world.
In addition to CO2, aircraft emit other gases such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), which directly affect air quality and contribute to the formation of ozone, another greenhouse gas.
Negative effects of air pollution
The environmental impact of flights goes far beyond CO2 emissions. Below, we analyze the main negative effects caused by aircraft:
- Noise pollution: The noise generated by both engines and flight manoeuvres affects communities near airports, causing health problems such as stress and sleep disorders.
- Air pollution: In addition to CO2, airplanes emit a series of compounds such as nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and carbon monoxide (CO), which deteriorate air quality and affect people's respiratory health.
- Alteration of the landscape: The construction of airport infrastructure modifies local ecosystems, affecting fauna and flora, especially species that cannot coexist with air activities.
Air pollution is not limited to the immediate surroundings of airports. Emissions from aircraft, especially when at cruising altitude, also contribute to the pollution. global warming through the formation of condensation trails and the release of water vapor at high altitude.
Details on how much a plane pollutes
Aircraft require a considerable amount of fuel to operate, such as the Airbus A380 which has a fuel capacity of more than 300.000 litersTo put this into context, an A380 consumes the same amount of fuel in a single journey as Car 3.500 at the same time.
However, to compare the impact of different means of transport in terms of pollution, it is essential to take into account the amount of CO2 emitted per person and per kilometer traveled. Here are some examples:
- Airplane: A passenger generates an average of 285 grams of CO2 per kilometer.
- Train: It emits 14 grams of CO2 per person per kilometre, making it the most environmentally efficient means of passenger transport.
- Ship: Despite their size and carrying capacity, ships are much more polluting, with up to 1.000 times more emissions than trains.
In short, although the plane is indispensable for long international trips, the train It remains the most environmentally friendly option for short and medium distance journeys.
Most polluting means of transport
While airplanes are responsible for a significant portion of CO2 emissions, cruise ships are, in fact, the most polluting means of transport per journey per passenger. An average cruise ship generates a massive amount of CO2 emissions compared to other modes of transport and produces large volumes of wastewater.
A large cruise ship carrying 3.000 people can produce up to 210.000 liters of wastewater each week. In addition, a cruise ship can issue up to 1.000 times more CO2 than a train making the same journey, making it the most environmentally damaging means of transport.
Looking ahead, it is clear that both the aviation and cruise industries need to adopt more sustainable technologies and measures to reduce their environmental footprints.
Measures to reduce the environmental impact of aircraft
Aware of the serious environmental impact it generates, the aviation industry has begun to take measures to reduce your emissions. Some of these include:
- Improved engine efficiency: More fuel-efficient engines are being developed, which helps to reduce the CO2 emitted by aircraft.
- Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF): The use of biofuels, made from waste and renewable sources, is one of the main promises to reduce emissions in the sector. However, today, these fuels barely represent 0,05% of the total.
- Electric and hydrogen planes: Although not yet used in large-scale commercial flights, electric aircraft and hydrogen-powered engines could be a solution in the future.
- Air traffic optimization: By better managing flight routes and avoiding unnecessary diversions, fuel use and emissions can be reduced.
The implementation of these technologies, together with other measures such as the renewal of the aircraft fleet and the reduction of short flights that can be replaced by train journeys, will be crucial to mitigate the impact of aviation on the climate change.
It is clear that aviation will continue to be a vital tool for global connectivity, but its impact can be minimised with the right technologies and commitment from airlines and governments.
Both the aeronautical industry and users must become aware of the magnitude of the environmental damage caused by flights, and, with this awareness, collaborate to reduce the footprint we leave on the planet.