Simple Solutions Proposed to Mitigate Climate Impact of Aircraft Contrails

Researchers suggest that relatively straightforward changes in flight paths could dramatically decrease the warming effects of contrails, with costs as low as £4 per flight, addressing a rising concern ahead of COP29.

A new study suggests that the detrimental warming effects of jet condensation trails, commonly known as contrails, could be effectively reduced through simple adjustments in aviation practices. Experts indicate that this can potentially be achieved for as little as £4 per flight, offering a feasible route to tackle an under-discussed facet of climate change.

Contrails are formed when aircraft travel through cold and humid air, condensing engine vapours onto unburned fuel particles. While contrail formation has been a documented phenomenon for decades, their significant contribution to climate warming has only recently gained attention. According to findings presented by the Transport & Environment campaign group, contrails may contribute to doubling the warming effect caused by aviation’s carbon emissions.

The issue surrounding contrails will be on the agenda at the upcoming UN climate conference, COP29, taking place in Baku. During the conference, experts will highlight the fact that minor adjustments could lead to substantial reductions in the warming impact of these vapours, especially since 80% of contrail-related warming is attributed to just 3% of flights. Finding ways to alter the flight paths of certain aircraft could lead to an overall reduction of over half in contrail warming by the year 2040.

Seasonal variations and geographical factors play a significant role in contrail formation, with central regions like North America and Europe creating most of the warming effect. Moreover, the timing of flights also affects this dynamic: night flights tend to produce contrails that contribute more significantly to warming. The researchers emphasize that integrating contrail avoidance into flight planning is a straightforward solution to an urgent environmental concern.

Carlos Lopez de la Osa from the Transport & Environment group remarked, “The simplicity of addressing contrails makes it a compelling climate solution.” With ongoing discussions aimed at improving sustainable aviation fuels, tackling the issue of contrails presents an additional opportunity for meaningful climate action that can be implemented quickly and cost-effectively.