The Hidden Climate Impact of Aviation: Understanding Non-CO2 Emissions

In this episode of the North West Aerospace Alliance News, Emma and Daniel dive deep into a topic that's often overlooked in discussions about aviation and climate change: non-CO2 emissions. While CO2 often takes center stage, these emissions — including nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, particulate matter, and water vapor — are responsible for about two-thirds of aviation's total climate impact. Daniel explains how contrails, formed by water vapor in aircraft exhaust, can trap heat and contribute to global warming. Emma and Daniel also discuss the health and environmental effects of NOx emissions, which contribute to ground-level ozone and particulate matter, and how even low-sulphur fuels can still impact ecosystems through acid rain. The episode highlights Airlander, a hybrid aircraft that operates at lower altitudes to reduce contrails and NOx emissions. With kerosene engines using less than half the energy of conventional planes, Airlander achieves a more than 50% reduction in non-CO2 emissions. When the all-electric version launches in 2030, emissions will be cut to zero. Emma and Daniel conclude by explaining how flying at around 10,000 feet avoids the atmospheric conditions that create contrails, making Airlander a promising solution for industries that don't require high-altitude flights. This is a win-win for both efficiency and environmental impact, as Airlander is poised to shape the future of sustainable aviation.