The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has initiated a new program to study the impact of climate change on aviation, in an effort to adapt industry and regulatory practices to ensure ongoing safety. The move comes amid scientific findings linking climate change to an increase in severe weather events and natural hazards that present significant risks to aviation safety.
During the inaugural meeting of the European Network on Impact of Climate Change on Aviation (EN-ICCA) at EASA headquarters in Cologne, discussions centered on the many ways in which climate change could affect flight operations. EASA’s Executive Director, Luc Tytgat, was quoted regarding the urgency of the situation, noting an increase in flight operation disruptions due to the changing climate and stressing the importance of the new network in addressing these issues.
EN-ICCA’s launch aligns with EASA’s addition of climate impact management to its strategic objectives within the European Plan for Aviation Safety. The agency, through the EN-ICCA, aims to bridge knowledge gaps by reviewing existing scientific research on weather hazard trends and the effectiveness of current climate change adaptation measures in aviation.
According to EASA, climate change could increase the frequency and severity of clear-air turbulence in some regions where air traffic is dense, such as the North Atlantic, Southeast Asia, and the North Pacific. It is also predicted that the likelihood of large hail will increase.
The network seeks to foster collaboration between aviation stakeholders and to coordinate research efforts, with the ultimate goal of providing assessments and recommendations to maintain high safety standards in the face of climate-related challenges. A follow-up meeting to gauge progress and update strategies is scheduled for 2024.
Manage the impact of climate change on aviation safety
EASA’s European Plan for Aviation Safety has incorporated a new strategic goal to adapt to and manage the changing patterns of hazardous weather phenomena that are a result of climate change. This reflects a broader global and EU strategy to prioritize climate adaptation.
On the international front, guidance is being developed following significant foundational work by ICAO and the World Meteorological Organization. Within Europe, the EU’s adaptation strategy and climate law mandate ongoing progress in adapting to climate effects. EASA has conducted preliminary studies on commercial air transport and airports, revealing an amplification of certain safety risks due to climate change.
Consequently, there’s an emphasis on research and data collection to enhance risk management and safety planning, ensuring aviation’s resilience against climate-related challenges. Further investments are called for in studying atmospheric phenomena related to aviation safety.
