A takeoff towards greening the aviation sector is not financially viable. Can we ensure its sustainability?
According to Germany’s central environmental office, a day-time average sound pressure level of 60 decibel
has the ability to increase the incidence of coronary heart disease by 61% in men and 80% in women, while a night-time average sound pressure level of 55 decibel increases the risk of heart attacks by 66% in men and 139% in women. Surprisingly, flights still take off with noise pollution levels of as much as 150 decibels on an average.
Ironically, aviation has an inextricable link to the key industries of global trade and tourism. So state governments are reluctant to tax and regulate the industry either on the basis of environmental impact or on the basis of health issues. Although governments have woken up to the need of keeping residential colonies away from airports, with the growing population of many metropolitan centres, it is but inevitable that the civilian population reaches the fringes of airports. Now, as the issue of climate change is gaining prominence, governments too are expressing concerns. The European Council asked airlines to take part in the Kyoto emissions reduction scheme to reduce emission levels by 20-30% by 2020. Leaders in the G8 summit also expressed their expectations from the International Civil Aviation Organisation to do more beyond state governments’ requirements. Airlines are increasingly incorporating alternative fuel-efficient engines using biofuel, hydrogen and other renewable sources. The DHL group is buying eight new Boeing 777-200 LRF and six 767-300ERF under its GoGreen initiative to increase carbon efficiency by 4%. France has developed Electra, a single-seater battery-powered experimental plane. Virgin flew a Boeing 747 part-fuelled by bio-diesel from London to Amsterdam. Airbus has pledged to produce more greener planes before 2020. These are but niche initiatives. However, long term success will depend on the role of governments in improving infrastructure and encouraging alternative energy engines. The environmental cost will have to be incorporated heavily in air travel fare – and that’s inevitable!
Ironically, aviation has an inextricable link to the key industries of global trade and tourism. So state governments are reluctant to tax and regulate the industry either on the basis of environmental impact or on the basis of health issues. Although governments have woken up to the need of keeping residential colonies away from airports, with the growing population of many metropolitan centres, it is but inevitable that the civilian population reaches the fringes of airports. Now, as the issue of climate change is gaining prominence, governments too are expressing concerns. The European Council asked airlines to take part in the Kyoto emissions reduction scheme to reduce emission levels by 20-30% by 2020. Leaders in the G8 summit also expressed their expectations from the International Civil Aviation Organisation to do more beyond state governments’ requirements. Airlines are increasingly incorporating alternative fuel-efficient engines using biofuel, hydrogen and other renewable sources. The DHL group is buying eight new Boeing 777-200 LRF and six 767-300ERF under its GoGreen initiative to increase carbon efficiency by 4%. France has developed Electra, a single-seater battery-powered experimental plane. Virgin flew a Boeing 747 part-fuelled by bio-diesel from London to Amsterdam. Airbus has pledged to produce more greener planes before 2020. These are but niche initiatives. However, long term success will depend on the role of governments in improving infrastructure and encouraging alternative energy engines. The environmental cost will have to be incorporated heavily in air travel fare – and that’s inevitable!
Source : IIPM Editorial, 2012.
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri
and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).
For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
Prof. Rajita Chaudhuri's Website
domain-b.com : IIPM ranked ahead of IIMs
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IIPM's Management Consulting Arm-Planman Consulting
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IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
IIPM makes business education truly global
IIPM B-School Detail
An Initiative of IIPM, Malay Chaudhuri
and Arindam Chaudhuri (Renowned Management Guru and Economist).
For More IIPM Info, Visit below mentioned IIPM articles.
Prof. Rajita Chaudhuri's Website
domain-b.com : IIPM ranked ahead of IIMs
Arindam Chaudhuri's Portfolio - he is at his candid best by Society Magazine
IIPM Best B School India
Management Guru Arindam Chaudhuri
Rajita Chaudhuri-The New Age Woman
IIPM's Management Consulting Arm-Planman Consulting
Professor Arindam Chaudhuri - A Man For The Society....
IIPM: Indian Institute of Planning and Management
IIPM makes business education truly global
IIPM B-School Detail
