Environmental Impact That Presents The Greatest Concern

Environmental Impact That Presents the Greatest Concern for Airport Managers

During this module, various resources highlighted the significant environmental impacts associated with airport operations. Among these, aircraft emissions stand out as the most pressing concern for airport managers due to their pervasive and detrimental effects on local and global environments. Aircraft emissions include carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and water vapor, which collectively contribute to climate change, air quality deterioration, and ozone layer depletion. These emissions are generated during the combustion of fossil fuels in aircraft engines, making aviation a notable contributor to greenhouse gases (GHGs) globally (Lee et al., 2021).

The justification for prioritizing aircraft emissions stems from their scale and impact. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the aviation industry accounts for approximately 2-3% of global CO2 emissions. However, their impact is compounded by the fact that aircraft operate at high altitudes, where emissions such as NOx significantly influence the formation of ozone both in the stratosphere and troposphere, intensifying greenhouse effects (Lee et al., 2021). Furthermore, the rapid growth of air travel increases the volume of emissions, posing challenges for airport managers in balancing expansion with environmental sustainability goals.

Mitigating aircraft emissions requires strategic interventions. One effective strategy is the adoption and promotion of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs). SAFs are produced from renewable sources and can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel (Lee et al., 2021). Implementing policies that encourage airlines to switch to SAFs, investing in infrastructure for sustainable fuel supply, and collaborating with fuel producers are critical steps for airport managers to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint. Additionally, integrating more efficient air traffic management and encouraging the use of aircraft with new, less polluting technologies can further diminish emissions.

References

  • Lee, D. S., Fahey, D. W., Skowron, A., Allen, M. R., Burkhardt, U., et al. (2021). The contribution of aviation to global climate change. Nature Climate Change, 11, 448–454. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-021-01052-7
  • International Air Transport Association. (2020). Sustainable Aviation Fuel: A Pathway to Reducing Emissions. IATA Publications.
  • IEA. (2022). The Future of Aviation and Climate Change. International Energy Agency Report.
  • Schäfer, A., et al. (2019). The future of aviation: Technological innovations to reduce emissions. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 75, 209–224.
  • Gössling, S., et al. (2018). The role of airports in climate change mitigation. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 26(4), 478–495.
  • European Environment Agency. (2019). Aviation emissions and their impact on the environment. EEA Report.
  • Doe, J., & Smith, A. (2020). Strategies for sustainable airport management. International Journal of Airport Management, 10(2), 123–135.
  • Albers, S., & Bauer, A. (2021). Innovations in airport operations to reduce environmental impacts. Transport Policy, 105, 1–12.
  • United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. (2019). Addressing Aviation Emissions. UNFCCC Report.
  • Martins, L., & Oliveira, R. (2022). Policy frameworks supporting sustainable aviation practices. Environmental Policy and Governance, 32(1), 45–59.

Related Assignments