The Increase of Dangerous Turbulence on Commercial Flights Due to Climate Change

Introduction

Whether you’re a casual traveler or a frequent flyer, you’ve likely encountered rough air at some point in your jet setting. The feeling of the aircraft starting to tremble, your drink sloshing in your glass and your stomach lurching up and down in sync with the jerking aircraft until the air becomes smooth again is all too familiar. Historically, turbulence events have resulted in no more than mild anxiety and annoyance to passengers. However, as the climate changes, commercial flights are encountering turbulent skies with markedly increased frequency. Recent severe turbulence events have caused serious injuries and deaths to passengers, generating an upswing in public interest over a natural phenomenon that is now more dangerous than ever before.

What is Turbulence?

Turbulence is air movement upset. A range of atmospheric pressure systems, jet streams, cold or warm weather fronts, wind shear, and thunderstorms are frequent causes of the turbulence experienced on airplanes. As ocean waves break on the beach, airwaves break against mountains and travel upwards towards passing aircraft. Similarly, storm clouds push air away as they grow, generating waves in the atmosphere that can cause turbulence.

The Effects of Climate Change in Turbulence Events

Climate change is worsening turbulence events on commercial flights. As global temperatures increase, jet streams are becoming stronger and the atmosphere is becoming less stable, leading to more frequent and severe turbulence events. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has projected that as the planet heats up, turbulence will become up to two times more common.

Cold Weather Fronts

Cold weather fronts once only seen in the polar regions are spreading to more populated areas and affecting air traffic. These cold weather events can result in powerful turbulence that can jostle passengers and crew inside the aircraft. This can cause head and neck injuries to passengers who did not buckle up and prevent objects from becoming airborne, causing damage to the aircraft.

Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms are expected to become more widespread and will also result in more severe turbulence events. As the planet warms, thunderstorms are expected to become larger and more frequent. The air around thunderstorms is turbulent, and as storms grow, the air waves generated become more intense and dangerous. Pilots are now forced to fly longer routes around these systems, reducing the efficiency of flights and hitting airlines’ financial bottom lines.

Conclusion

The aviation industry is looking for solutions to deal with increased turbulence events, such as technological advancements in aviation infrastructure that enable flight paths to improve weather prediction. Meanwhile, passengers can do their bit by buckling up, listening to and following instructions from the cabin crew, and being prepared for unexpected turbulence events. Ultimately, it is indispensable that action is taken to fight climate change to ensure the long-term sustainability of the aviation industry.

Originally Post From https://www.law.com/newyorklawjournal/2024/07/16/rough-skies-ahead-legal-options-for-turbulence-injuries/

Legal Options for Turbulence Injuries: Rough Skies Ahead