What I’m dreaming about: Sustainable Aviation
As a frequent traveler, I’ve often pondered the environmental impact of my jet-setting lifestyle. Sustainable aviation solutions become crucial. So what are the current challenges and innovations shaping the future of air travel?
The Current State of Aviation Emissions
Air travel is estimated to contribute about 3.5% of all human-caused climate impacts. This figure is particularly significant considering that only a small percentage of the world’s population flies regularly. As a frequent flyer myself, I’m acutely aware of the carbon footprint associated with my travels. And as often as I fly, I am contributing in a negativce way to the climate change.
The Rise of Flight Shame
In recent years, there’s been a growing awareness of aviation’s environmental impact, particularly in Sweden, where terms like “flygskam” (flight shame) and “tagskryt” (bragging about rail travel) have entered the lexicon.
Let’s face it: I’m not ready to give up flying entirely; but I’m certainly interested in more sustainable options. Srarting with the fact that I offset my flights, either directly during my booking process (many airlines offer this possiblity during the booking process), or by donating an equivalent amount of my offsetting costs in renewable energy projects. One if the better-known intiatives is Atmosfair. https://www.atmosfair.de/en/offset/flight/.
Short-Term Innovations
Besides that, several innovations are already promising marginal improvements in aviation sustainability:
AI-assisted navigation systems to reduce fuel consumption
Design developments like folding wingtips for improved efficiency
Modified flight routes to avoid contrails, which contribute significantly to aviation’s non-CO2 warming impacts1
Long-Term Solutions for Sustainable Aviation
We are not yet there, but the industy is pushing things and namely with the following approaches:
Hydrogen and Electric Aircraft
Imagine planes powered by rocket engines or electric-cars-inspired aircraft. These concepts involve developing alternative propulsion systems:
Hydrogen-powered engines, similar to those used in space rockets,
Electric-powered planes for short domestic routes,
Hybrid hydrogen aircraft, like Airbus’s futuristic ZEROe concepts.
While these technologies show promise for short and mid-haul flights, they face significant challenges for long-haul routes due to limited flight ranges and battery weight issues.
Sustainable Aviation Fules (SAF)
Many experts believe that developing sustainable aviation fuels is a more scalable solution, particularly for long-haul flights. SAF can power existing airplane engines, making it an “ideal solution” according to some experts.
Over 50 airlines are already working with SAF,
More than 450,000 flights have taken off with some percentage of SAF blend,
Production of SAF increased by 200% from 2021 to 2022.
However, it’s crucial to invest in the right kind of SAF. Synthetic or e-fuels, produced by combining hydrogen with carbon dioxide, are considered better options than crop-based biofuels.
The Role of Government and Industry
Accelerating the pace of change requires collaboration between governments and the aviation industry. Recent actions include:
The European Union’s plans to gradually mandate SAF,
The U.S. Biden administration’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge and related investments.
The Road Ahead
While we’re still years away from truly sustainable aviation, the industry is moving in the right direction. As Professor Rafael Palacios from Imperial College London states, “In 50 years, we will still be flying, and it will be sustainable”.
As a traveler committed to minimizing my carbon footprint, I’m excited about these developments. While I won’t be giving up flying anytime soon, I’m looking forward to the day when I can jet across the globe with a clear conscience. In the meantime, I’ll continue to explore ways to travel more sustainably and support innovations in the aviation industry.What are your thoughts on the future of sustainable aviation? How do you balance your love for travel with environmental concerns? Share your views in the comments below.