Reducing flight speeds by 15% can lower carbon emissions, study
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have proposed a novel plan to reduce carbon emissions in the aviation industry. The strategy involves extending flight times by up to an hour, which they believe will result in less fuel being burned. The ultimate goal is to achieve net zero carbon emissions in aviation by 2050.
Slower flight speeds to combat climate change
The proposed plan, described as a "bold measure," would decrease flight speeds by 15%. This reduction in speed would add approximately 50 minutes to each journey, according to The Independent. The researchers believe that slower flights will consume less fuel, thereby reducing the carbon footprint of air travel.
Potential environmental impact of slower flights
The researchers' proposal is expected to reduce fuel burn by 5 to 7%, thereby decreasing the aviation industry's contribution to climate change, which currently stands at 4%. The findings, presented to the United Nations, suggest that by 2050, this initiative could halve fuel consumption. The experts also propose more efficient airport organization as a way to offset longer flight times.
Aviation industry requires 'whole systems process change'
Professor Rob Miller of Cambridge's Whittle Laboratory emphasized the need for a "whole systems process change" in the aviation industry to achieve these environmental goals. He stated that neither airlines, manufacturers, nor airports could implement these changes alone. However, he also noted that such an ambitious initiative might be challenging to implement at the current time.
Aviation at a pivotal moment, says Professor Miller
According to Professor Miller, the aviation industry is at a "pivotal moment," similar to the automotive industry in the late 2000s. He drew parallels with Elon Musk's Tesla, which began delivering its first electric vehicles around that time. By the end of 2023, more than 16% of American vehicles were either electric or hybrid, as per data from the Energy Information Administration.
