Reducing the long clouds formed by airplanes, known as contrails, could lower aviation’s climate impact by 40%, according to new research.

These clouds, or condensation trails, act like a “blanket” in the sky, trapping heat and contributing to global warming, experts warn.

A study by the University of Cambridge found that about one in every 30 miles flown creates persistent contrails, particularly when planes pass through cold and humid airspace.

Prof Rob Miller, director of the university’s Whittle Laboratory, said: “Aviation stands at a pivotal moment, much like the automotive industry in the late 2000s.”

The researchers suggest that planes could avoid forming these clouds by rerouting flights at specific points in their paths.

Contrails form when exhaust fumes from airplanes mix with cold air at high altitudes, creating a lasting cloud.

The report, in collaboration with the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, calls for international trials or “living labs” to test the rerouting strategy, with the aim of having the airline industry adopt it within five years.

Researchers recommend that the aviation industry work with atmospheric forecasts and data to reroute flights as necessary.

Aviation contributes 2-3% of global CO2 emissions and around 5% of total climate impacts when non-CO2 effects are included, noted Professor Miller.

Despite ambitious pledges, the aviation sector remains far behind in its goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.

The report also recommends improving efficiency across the sector to cut fuel consumption in half by 2050, reforming policies on sustainable aviation fuels, and advancing research on hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Without significant changes, the aviation sector’s climate impact is expected to double by 2050, the report warns.

 

 

——————————————————————————

At Natural World Fund, we are passionate about restoring habitats in the UK to halt the decline in our wildlife.

 

Donate now and join in the solution!