Aviation is among the fastest growing sources of greenhouse gases. Other ways it impacts the environment are noise pollution and the release of particulates that cause global dimming. Carbon dioxide, oxides of Nitrogen, water vapour and particulates such as soot and sulfate are the chief greenhouse elements released by the combustion of fuels like Jet A and Avgas in airplanes. Even though there have been significant improvements in fuel efficiency in aircraft technology, these are being continually eclipsed by the increase in air traffic volume.
I wonder what the great da Vinci would've done had he foreseen the future effects of his aircraft designs.
First published in Sustainuance early this year.
