Jets taxing for takeoff, where climate change could increase severe clear air turbulence by an extraordinary 149 percent.
Greetings! Once again, I have more sobering news for you on the effects of “climate change.” And this time it’s the possibility of an incredible increase in severe clear air turbulence of up to 149 percent! That’s right, please keep your tray tables in the upright position and your seat belts fastened at all times.
A group of research scientist from the University of Reading, in Reading, England used a state-of-the-art supercomputer simulating atmospheric simulations on what severe turbulence might look like in the future. In particular, they looked at “how wintertime transatlantic clear-air turbulence would change at around 39,000 feet if the atmosphere contained twice as much CO2.” CO2 is formed from the boring of fossil fuels. The study was published in the journal Advances in Atmospheric Sciences. Here’s what the study found…
- Light turbulence would increase by 59 percent.
- Light-to-moderate turbulence would increase by 75 percent.
- Moderate-to-severe turbulence would increase by 127 percent.
- Severe turbulence would increase by 149 percent.
Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority stated, “Large and abrupt changes in altitude, as well as a large variation in indicated airspeed, characterize severe turbulence [where] the aircraft may be temporarily out of control.” Paul Williams, lead author said, “Our new study paints the most detailed picture yet of how aircraft turbulence will respond to climate change. For most passengers, light turbulence is nothing more than an annoying inconvenience that reduces their comfort levels, but for nervous fliers even light turbulence can be distressing.” Williams continued and said, “However, even the most seasoned frequent fliers may be alarmed at the prospect of a 149% increase in severe turbulence, which frequently hospitalizes air travelers and flight attendants around the world.”
The Federal Aviation Administration said, “Turbulence caused 44 injuries in 2016 – more than double the 21 reported in 2015.” Here are just a few of the recent reports of severe air turbulence this year…
May 1, 2017: Over two-dozen passengers were injured after an Aeroflot flight encountered severe turbulence on its way from Moscow to Bangkok. Once passenger told CNN, “Passengers flew out of their seats. It lasted about ten seconds, the plane was being thrown everywhere. There was blood on the ceiling, people with broken noses, babies who were hurt. It was horrible. It came out of nowhere. It was like driving a car and a tire suddenly bursts.”
June 21, 2017: Fourteen people became injured from severe turbulence on a flight from Panama City to George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. Seven were taken to hospital after United Airlines flight 1031 landed. The Federal Aviation Administration said, “United Flight 1031, a Boeing 737, reported encountering severe turbulence in Mexican airspace, about 80 miles east of Cancun. The aircraft landed safely at George Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport just after 2.30pm.”
August 4, 2017: An American Airlines flight from Greece to Philadelphia was hit by “severe turbulence” just before landing, injuring at least 10 people.
August 22, 2017: SkyWest Flight 3167, operating as American Eagle from Atlanta to Chicago, diverted to St. Louis after it briefly encountered unexpected severe turbulence. The flight landed without incident in St. Louis, where paramedics met the aircraft. A flight attendant and two customers were transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation.
As more news develops on climate change and severe clear air turbulence, I’ll be sure to blog about it!
If you are in Florida and you see a sick or injured manatee, please call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at: 1-888-404-FWCC. They are the folks who are responsible for rescuing us in Florida.
Here’s the Save the Manatee Club link to learn more about us manatees …
Here’s a cool link for you to learn more about how we’re rescued and brought into rehabilitation …
~ Kobee Manatee