Climate change: its impact on aviation. The time to plan is now.

There is justifiably a good deal of analysis and media coverage of aviation's impact on climate change.

Fewer column inches have been given to the impact of climate change on aviation.

The main expected impacts of climate change on aviation result from changes in temperature, precipitation (rain and snow), storm patterns, sea level and wind patterns. In addition, climate change is expected to lead to increased drought, impacts on the supply of water and energy, and changes in wildlife patterns and biodiversity. Consequences for aviation include reduced aircraft performance, changing demand patterns, potential damage to infrastructure, loss of capacity and schedule disruption.

According to a late 2018 survey by EUROCONTROL, a large majority of European aviation industry respondents (86%) consider that actions to reduce the impacts of climate change on aviation may be necessary now or in the future. However, almost half (48%) have not begun planning for adapting to the impacts of climate change.

There are strong operational, business and regulatory reasons for participants in the aviation industry to take steps to adapt to the impacts of climate change. As 2019 begins, a climate change risk assessment should be near the top of the list of New Year's resolutions for aviation industry participants.