Aviation is growing faster than any other transport sector. As more and more people take to the skies, the effects on the environment increase. Aircraft engines emit carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere.
Emissions that occur near the ground contribute to local air pollution, while those released at altitude are emitted as greenhouse gases. Ninety percent of emissions, except for carbon monoxide and VOCs, occur at higher altitudes; the other 10 percent are produced during ground level operations, takeoff, and landing. There is some concern that the water in aircraft exhaust may contribute to the greenhouse effect through the formation of contrails. Contrails are thought to spread into cirrus clouds, warming the Earth by reflecting less sunlight and trapping more heat. Operations in and around an airport also contributes to pollution within the sector via incoming and outgoing traffic, ground equipment that services the aircraft, and shuttle buses and vans serving passengers.
To help alleviate environmental effects, the EPA has set standards for emissions from aviation engines that align with those of the U.N. International Civil Aviation Organization. Aircraft manufacturers are also continually improving upon fuel economy to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Fuel efficiency has historically increased by 1 percent each year due to research in energy efficiency, airframe aerodynamics, and the use of lighter materials. Additional research is being conducted on alternative fuels, and airports are beginning to place more emphasis on fuel economy and energy conservation with voluntary programs to reduce emissions from ground support equipment and other airport vehicles.
Aviation and Emissions: A Primer The Federal Aviation Administration's Office of Environment and Energy provides substantial background on how aviation emissions affect the environment.
Special Report on Aviation New Scientist magazine offers a special online-only section on aviation with an ?Instant Expert? backgrounder, booklist, and articles covering new technologies, including planes that might one day be able to ?steal? power from overhead electric lines.
LAWS & TREATIES
Nonroad Engines, Equipment, and Vehicles EPA has adopted emission standards for nearly all types of nonroad engines, equipment, and vehicles. Click the different ?Engine Categories? to access background information on the standards for aircraft, marine vessels, and rail.
FOR THE CLASSROOM
Education Teaching Resources The Smithsonian Air and SpaceMuseum has a large variety of free lesson plans and educational material on space travel and general aviation available free. [K-12]