From prehistoric times to the present day, human beings have been fascinated by flying. However, like any other human endeavour, air travel is not exempt from the effects of nature. One such effect is air turbulence, which usually causes only minor inconvenience, but the recent climate change-induced increase in both the frequency and intensity of air turbulence has raised concerns within the aviation community.

Two recent episodes of severe air turbulence within a week have shaken the global aviation industry. A Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER encountered intense turbulence while flying over Myanmar, resulting in the death of a passenger and injuries to 71 others. Just a few days later, a Qatar Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner also faced severe turbulence, causing injuries to 12 passengers and crew members. Scientists are linking these occurrences to global climate change.

A study conducted by the University of Chicago suggests that for every 10C rise in the planet’s temperature, there could be a two per cent increase in the speed of winds in the ‘fastest upper-level jet streams’. This poses a paramount risk to the aviation industry as projections by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change indicate a four-degree Celsius rise in Earth’s temperature by the end of this century.

Every 10C rise........

© Daily Times