At the current growth rate of the aviation industry Aircraft emissions pollute the air and threaten by 2050 to become one of the largest contributors to Global Warming. Main concern is for bout jet emissions in the upper atmosphere, where the warming effect from some pollutants is amplified.
With the projected flare-up in worldwide travel, air pollution from aviation is a growing anxiety among scientists, and it’s drawing increased analysis from governments, particularly in Europe. They are considering strict controls on aircraft emissions, an action strongly opposed by the White House because of its potential effect on U.S. airlines.
Besides carbon dioxide, jet engines emit many pollutants into the atmosphere, including nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, soot and even water vapor. Carbon dioxide and water vapor are called greenhouse gases, because they trap heat and contribute to global warming.
All of this indicates that there’s no doubt that jet engines must have stricter emission standards, more research to further reduce emissions needs to be done or alternate fuels discovered.
Via: USA Today
