Travelers must be made aware that as climate change worsens, turbulence will become more turbulent and more frequent. The negative effects of the inevitable climate change are not only the weather getting hotter, the water level rising, the worsening pollen allergies, the lowering sex drives and so much more. Now, it can affect travelers and airline companies.
According to researchers, as the planets become warmer due to climate change, the second half of this century will see frequent and stronger turbulence. This is possible along the heavily-traveled transatlantic routes between Europe and North America as per CNN.
"Climate change is strengthening the north-south temperature difference that drives the jet stream," Dr. Paul Williams of the University of Reading said. "A stronger jet stream is less stable and means more clear-air turbulence."
Lately, incidents of injuries have been reported lately that resulted from the severe clear-air turbulence that endangered the lives of the passengers onboard. Clear-air turbulence is caused by rapid changes in speed or direction of air movement. Moderate turbulence cannot injure anyone but will cause fear and panic for nervous passengers.
The jet stream is the rapidly moving air that can be found at the same height where commercial planes fly around 30,000-40,000 feet above the ground. A rapid change in speed or direction of the air movement which causes the turbulence of various degrees can affect air travel.
Williams also informed that future changes in the jet stream will cause heavy disruption in aviation. Thousands of flights will be affected on a daily basis, thus affecting the tourism and aviation industries. Added fuel cost will result when planes have to pass other routes to avoid CAT. Trips from Europe to North America will be more expensive.
Although the effects of global warming are gradual, it is imperative that this early the government is already addressing the possible problems. With the information dissemination, all those concerned will be able to formulate long-range plans to address these changes in the environment.
