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Environmental Impact of Aviation Essay

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Environmental Impact of Aviation For GE117 Michael Adams ITT Technical Institute

Environmental Impact of Aviation Aviation contributes approximately 2 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions, a figure which is projected to grow through 2050. Although fuel efficiency has improved by nearly 16 percent since the 1990s, future technologies—including better flight patterns, more-efficient engines, and alternative fuels—have promise for further emissions reductions. The profitability challenges of the early twenty-first century, however, affect the industry's ability to invest in new technology. (Hill, 2010 17-22) Globally, air travel was estimated to be responsible for approximately 480…show more content…
When these droplets settle to the ground, usually they are spread over a wide area, minimizing their effect. (Environmental Impact of Aviation Operations, 2005) Noise analysis and impact criteria will certainly undergo a profound change in the next millennium. Significant improvements in technology, in conjunction with regulatory mandates, have reduced noise impacts steadily over the last 20 years. This downward trend, which is based on today’s evaluation metrics, is expected to continue through 2025. However, as the volume of operations continues to increase, so too will the overall noise impact and footprint. One would expect noise standards and models to change also. For example, in response to public sensitivity, the U.S. National Park Service has already begun review and consideration of new noise standards in wilderness areas. (Hill, 2010 17-22) A survey completed by the Government Accounting Office of the 50 busiest commercial airports, accounting for 80% of air carrier operations in 1998 revealed that noise, water, and air quality were the top three concerns. About 90% of the management of these airports thought that balancing environmental concerns with airport operations was much more or somewhat more difficult than it was in 1989. Because 13 of these facilities were at or above capacity with another four considered to be at capacity in
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