Air Travel 2.0

Over the past 50 years, air travel has seen remarkable growth, bringing significant challenges related to CO2 emissions and safety. The event addressed sustainability and security issues related to air travel, sharing insights from air travel reduction and clear air turbulence research projects.

Exploring the Future of Air Travel: Sustainability and Safety

Advancements in Turbulence Forecasting

Dr. Heini Wernli’s presentation on turbulence forecasting was equally illuminating. His research team’s analysis of turbulence data gathered from commercial flights revealed a concerning trend exacerbated by global warming: an increase in clear air turbulence. This phenomenon poses significant safety implications for aviation, prompting a closer examination of the atmospheric changes influenced by climate change.

Addressing Environmental Challenges

The exponential growth of air travel over the past half-century has brought with it unprecedented challenges, particularly concerning carbon emissions. Dr. Susann Görlinger, drawing from her expertise at ETH Zürich, underscored the urgency of reducing air travel emissions to align with global net-zero targets. Her insights highlighted the complexities involved in implementing sustainable practices within academic institutions, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies encompassing data monitoring, governance, and strong leadership.

Path Forward: Collaboration and Innovation

The event underscored the importance of collaborative efforts between academia, industry, and governmental bodies to drive innovation in sustainable aviation practices and safety measures. By fostering partnerships and leveraging technological advancements, stakeholders can collectively work towards a more sustainable future for air travel.

Speakers

Partners

  • ETH Zurich
  • Vitality.Swiss