Massive increase in environmental impact due to aviation
In the period from 1990 to 2014, the number of aircraft movements in Europe increased by 80%. The environmental impact increased to the same extent. This is shown by the first European Report on the Environmental Impact of Aviation by the European Environment Agency EEA.
Commercial aviation is an important economic and social factor in Europe. At the same time, however, it also contributes to climate change and influences the health and quality of life of people in Europe through noise and emissions.
In recent years, continuous improvements in a wide range of areas (such as technology and design) have no longer been able to compensate for the increased need for mobility and the associated environmental impact. In all likelihood, this trend will continue. The challenges facing aviation are constantly increasing and the future growth of European aviation will be inextricably linked to its environmental performance.
This is shown by the just published European Aviation Environment Report of the European Energy Agency EEA. For example, the number of aircraft movements in Europe has increased by 80% since 1990 - with the same increase in environmental pollution and CO2 emissions. NOx emissions have doubled in the same time. The EEA expects all values to increase by a further 45% by 2035.
Millions affected by aircraft noise
Aircraft noise currently affects 2.5 million people across Europe. Noise levels from jet aircraft have decreased by about 4 dB every 10 years in recent decades, but this progress has slowed to 2dB/10 years.
Limit values on noise and NOx emissions have led to improvements. The EEA expects additional regulations with regard to CO2 and particulate emissions to come into force shortly.
Slow introduction of alternative fuels
The introduction of environmentally friendly alternative fuels has been slow. Nevertheless, alternative fuels are expected to play an important role in reducing greenhouse gases in the coming decades. The Advanced Biofuels Flightpath initiative launched by the European Commission envisages the production of approximately 2 million tons of biofuel per year for aviation by 2020. The use of environmentally friendly alternative fuels has been tested by European commercial aviation. Nevertheless, it seems rather unlikely that the 2 million tons per year mentioned in the "Advanced Biofuels Flightpath" can be achieved.
