Environmental Impact of Aviation Industry - Research Proposal Example

Research Proposal By Name Course Instructor Institution City/State Date Proposal summary Climate change has ruled international talks over the past decade as weather patterns have continuously shifted. These changes in climatic conditions has been attributed to the increased emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. When such gases are emitted into the atmosphere they form a blanket over the earth’s atmosphere. This in return prevents heat from the sun reaching the earth’s atmosphere. In addition to this, this layer also reflects heat back to the earth’s surface, which leads to the earth’s becoming warmer than required. Therefore, as a result of this layer weather patterns are altered in that a region might start experiencing heavy rains, irregular rainfall or drought. These effects have detrimental effects on the world as witnessed in the polar areas, whereby glaciers are melting every day. Therefore, in an effort to control the amount of greenhouse gases being emitted into the atmosphere, various industries have been identified as the main contributors. Among the identified industries is the aviation industry. Aviation industry contributes around 4% to 9% of the total greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, this has to various concerns being raised as to the measures that should be undertaken to ensure that emissions from airplanes are minimized. This is attributed to the fact that, us like other industry emissions from airplanes are quite harmful to the as they have the same effect. Therefore, this paper attempts to provide an understanding as to the relationship that exists between the aviation industry and climate change. Aviation industry us like any other industry has been identified as one of the contributors of climate. This is attributed to growth in aviation industry, since air transport has become the most preferred mode of transport in the world. However, in an effort to ensure that the paper is capable of demonstrating these relationships, it will be guided by a set of objectives. These objectives form the backbone of this paper. This is because through the guidance of the objectives the paper is capable to demonstrate the relationship that exists between aviation industry and climate change. In addition to this, the paper adopts a quantitative approach in conducting its research. This is attributed to the fact that by adopting a quantitative approach it becomes quite easy to obtain statistical data necessary for the accomplishment of the dissertation. The research shall also incorporate the use of data analysis tools such as SPSS. By incorporating such tools it becomes quite easy to validate the information that was collected. Thus through data analysis it becomes quite easy to ensure that research is not only credible but also reliable. In addition to this, the research shall rely on primary sources such as interviews with experts on weather. In addition to this, the research will also rely on secondary sources mainly peer reviewed journal articles. Peer reviewed articles ensure that the information used in this research is credible and reliable. Therefore, this ensures that the research paper could be used as a point of reference Literature Review Climate change In recent years environmental protection has been greatly prioritized and this can be attributed to changes in weather patterns from the normal weather patterns. These changes in weather pattern is what is referred to as climate change. Therefore, climate change entails the changes in weather patterns usually within a given period of time which in most instances is ten years. Climate change usually come into existence as a result of emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (ICAO 2004, p 50). When these gases are emitted into the atmosphere, they tend to form a blanket thus blocking sun rays reaching the earth. In addition to this they confine heat reflected from the earth’s surfaces. This in return leads to changes in the climatic conditions of a particular region over a certain period of time. These changes could be detrimental to the affected as they may lead to irregular rainfall, flooding or complete drought. Therefore, as a result of these effects the international community has tried to come up with measure to curb climate change. Through such efforts it is hoped that the climate conditions will be restored to normalcy (Olsen, et al 2013 p. 420) Mechanisms and Cumulative Effects of aviation on Climate As the world takes measures to protect the earth through reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, certain industries were identified as major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. The aviation industry was identified as one of the contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. This is attributed to the fact that air transport has grown tremendously. This has led to air transport being the most preferred mode of transport for numerous individuals. This in return has led to an increase in the number of airplanes flying over the earth’s atmosphere in an attempt to cope with the high demand. As a result air transport is said to contribute around 4% to 9% of the total climate change. According to …. When airplanes fly over the atmosphere the emit carbon dioxide. This is attributed to the fact that airplanes obtain the energy required to fly the planes by burning fuel. Therefore, as fuel is burnt to produce energy carbon dioxide is produced. Carbon dioxide is then released into the atmosphere, where together with other greenhouses gases form a blanket over the earth’s atmosphere (NOAA 2007, p 6) CO2 emissions per passenger kilometer CO2 emissions per passenger kilometer is used to determine the amount of carbon dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere when travelling by any mode of transport. There are various methods used to determine CO2 emissions per passenger kilometer. However, the most adopted method is the use of total fuel consumption per flight. When using this method the average fuel consumption per kilometer is obtained. CO2 emissions per passenger kilometer involving airplanes is lower compared to other modes of transport. However, it has experienced a huge rise which can be attributed to the increasing number of airplanes flying over the earth’s surface. Additionally, the increase in size of airplanes has greatly raised the CO2 emissions per passenger kilometer. This is due to the fact that the larger the airplane the more fuel is required to provide the required energy to fly the plane. Therefore, the amount of CO2 emissions per passenger kilometer is relatively higher for modern airplane compared to airplanes built hundred years ago (Yilmaz, & Flouris, 2012, p. 110) Emissions by passenger class, and effects of seating configuration The type of passenger class adopted by an individual greatly determines the amount of carbon emitted when travelling. This is to say that a passenger flying economy class emits different amount of carbon compared to a person flying business class or a person flying first class. This is attributed to the fact that when flying first class, airplanes tend to use more fuel to transport a relatively small number of passenger. This is worse when a times airplanes are forced to take off with several empty first class seats. Therefore, as a result individuals flying first class tend to leave a bigger carbon footprint compared to passengers flying business class or economy. Additionally, first class tends to have huge bigger spaces in-between seats (ICAO ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT, 2010, p. 20). This means that passengers have the luxury to carry huge bags with them while traveling. This in return leads to higher carbon emission from passengers flying first class when compared to other passenger classes. In addition to passenger class, the manner in which seats in plane are configured greatly determines the amount of carbon emitted by the airplane while flying. Seating configuration generally refers to the manner in which passenger seats are arranged, thus the number of passengers a plane can carry at a given time. Therefore, a plane that has numerous passenger seats is likely to emit less carbon compared to a plane that has fewer seats. This is attributed to the fact that carbon shared among the passengers in a plane with more seats thus low carbon emissions (Olsen, et al 2013 p. 430) Alternative fuels Due to the amount of carbon emitted through burning of petroleum based fuels, there have been calls to try and find alternative fuels to fly airplanes. The use of alternative fuels could prove to be quite beneficial for the aviation industry. This is attributed to the fact that, alternative jet fuels are far cheaper when compared to petroleum based jet fuels. Additionally, alternative fuels could lower the amount of carbon dioxide being emitted into the atmosphere. Therefore, by adopting the use of alternative jet fuels environmental degradation is likely to be greatly reduced (Yilmaz, & Flouris, 2012, p. 85). Additionally, the fact that alternative jet fuels will be derived from renewable resources means that the earth’s natural resources do not become depleted with time. It is also important to note that alternative jet fuels do not in any case compromise the performance of airplanes. This is to say that airplanes will still be able to cover the same distance with almost same amount of fuel or even slightly lower amounts of fuel. Additionally, airplanes will still receive the same amount of energy as if the planes were using petroleum based jet fuels. Therefore, using alternative jet fuel is not only economical but also environmentally friendly (AIRBUS 2008). Kyoto Protocol Kyoto Protocol is a creation of the United Nations that seeks to address issues touching on climate change. The protocol’s main aim is to ensure that the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere is greatly minimized. It achieves this by setting out certain standard for each country in relation to the amount of greenhouse gases should be emitted. The protocol recognizes that developed countries bear the greatest burden for the amount of greenhouse gases being emitted into the atmosphere. Therefore, developed countries are given more responsibility in ensuring that the amount of greenhouse gases they emit is greatly reduced. In addition to this, the Kyoto protocol recognizes that the aviation industry plays a significant role in climate change. Therefore, in relation to this statement the Kyoto Protocol sets out measures for the aviation industry. These measures are intended to ensure that emission by airplanes is greatly reduced. This in return ensures that the climate condition return to normalcy (Yilmaz, & Flouris, 2012, p 200) Emissions trading In an effort to ensure that emission of greenhouse gases is controlled the international community has come up with incentives. These incentives are meant to motivate countries to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases. Emissions trading scheme ensure that industries such as aviation take responsibility for the greenhouse gases being emitted in the atmosphere. In relation to the aviation industry the emission trading scheme takes into account the amount of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases a plane emits in a single calendar year. Therefore, depending on the set target airline operators have a chance of purchasing allowances or selling their surplus allowances? (Vlachou 2013, p. 130) Air noise and Air quality Airplanes are at time environmental hazards resulting from the noise they make when flying. The noise usually comes from the engines of the airplanes and this has becomes a great concern especially for individuals that live around airports. As a result governments have tried to establish measures to reduce noise pollution as a result of airplanes. One of the measures is reduction of flights operations during the night. This is aimed at ensuring that individuals leaning around airports do not have difficulties sleeping which could greatly undermine their ability to undertake their task during the day. Additionally, governments have also set out noise limits while taking off at airports, all in the aim of reducing noise pollution (Wuebbles et al 2006, p 100) Airplanes also greatly affect the quality of air which is quite easy to notice especially near airports. This is attributed to the fact that for airplanes to fly them to burn petroleum based jet fuels. Therefore, as combustion is taking place carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide are emitted (Lee et al 2013, p. 5510) Nitrogen dioxide is usually found in small quantity in the atmosphere, but this is not the case at the surface level around airports. Constant aircraft movement at the surface leads to accumulation of nitrogen dioxide which compromises the air quality around the airport (Capacity, et al 2010, p. 13) Research objectives The research shall be guided by various objectives which ensure that the research does not deviate from the main issue at hand. Therefore, research objectives are; 1. To determine and understand the relationship that exists between the aviation industry and climate change 2. To understand how aviation industry contributes to climate change 3. To understand the various ways that have been set out in the aviation industry as a way of minimizing the causes of climate change. Project outcomes Upon the completion of the research the paper hopes that it will be capable of providing a better understanding of how aviation industry is related to climate change. This will come in handy in creating a nexus with the other research objectives. This is attributed to the fact that is it quite impossible to undertake the research without first understanding the relationship that exists between climate change and the aviation industry. Additionally, the research hopes that it will provide solutions as to how aviation industry can minimize emissions that lead to climate change. This will be achieved by exploring the various measures that have been undertaken and determine their advantages and disadvantages. In doing so the research will then try and provide ways in which the various measure can be integrated together, thus reducing climate change. Research methodology In an effort to ensure that this paper is not only reliable but also credible both quantitative and qualitative research methods were incorporated. According to Thomas (2003, p 80) quantitative refers to a systematic process used to determine the existing relationships between two or more variables. Therefore, by using the quantitative approach it becomes quite easier to collect statistical data that would otherwise be difficult when using qualitative approach only. Therefore, this is to say that the qualitative approach on the other will be used to collect data from interviews and observation. These kinds of data are not statistical thus the need to incorporate qualitative research method. Therefore, with the help of both qualitative and quantitative research methods it becomes quite easier to collect more information. This could prove to be quite beneficial to the research, as it not only make the research reliable but also credible. Data collection The primary mode of collecting data will be through questionnaires, since they are easy to spread around and at the same time easy to interpret. According to Thomas (2003, p. 120) questionnaires are a set of questions designed to obtain necessary information for a particular research. Additionally, in an effort to ensure that the questionnaires were nondiscriminatory, English was the chosen language. This is attributed to the fact that English is widely spoken compared to other languages. Therefore, it was easier to cover a wide population for the research. Additionally, the questionnaires were divided into two sections; Section A and Section B. section A comprised of basic information such as Name, Age, Place of Employment and Gender. Section B on the other hand was aimed at obtaining information regarding aviation industry and its impact on climate change. The research will also incorporate the use of sampling as a way of collecting information necessary to oversee the completion of this research. This is attributed to the fact that, it is quite impossible to look at every airline in the world. Therefore, only few airlines were selected to assist incompletion of this research. The criteria for selection was based on the steps undertaken by these airlines in fighting climate change. Data analysis Data analysis will also be conducted once all the necessary information regarding the research is collected. The importance of conducting data analysis is to ensure that the information collected is relevant to the research. Therefore, all data that is deemed less relevant shall be eliminated at this point. Additionally, through data analysis it becomes quite easy to ensure that the research is both reliable and credible. However, for better data analysis the paper shall incorporate the use of SPSS as a data analyzing tool. SPSS was selected as the most preferable analyzing tool simply because it can easily collect data from any kind of field. Therefore, with SPSS it was quite easy to analyze data found in the aviation industry. Additionally, SPSS can easily generate table based on the information collected and are easy to understand. These and the fact that SPSS can run on various platforms made it the most suitable analyzing tool for the project (Thomas 2003, 160) Sources of information The research will rely on both primary sources and secondary sources as ways of collecting relevant information necessary for the completion of this research paper. The main primary sources will be interviews, and use of questionnaires, while the main secondary sources will be peer reviewed journal articles and published books. Interviews will be conducted on a face to face basis and will involve individuals that work in the aviation industry. Such individuals will give an insight on airplanes work and how they could affect the atmosphere. Additionally, the interviews will involve environmental experts who will provide understanding as to how emission from airplanes contribute to climate change. Questionnaires on the other hand will be distributed among various individuals working in the airlines. The questionnaires seek to get an understanding from airline operators as to how aviation industry affects climate change and what measures can be taken to minimize climate change. Peer reviewed journal articles and published books will be used to provide information that was not easily obtained from primary sources. Additionally, peer reviewed articles and published ensure that the research is credible and reliable. Therefore, by incorporating both sources of information the paper hopes to create an understanding on how aviation industry contributes to climate change. References AIRBUS (2008). Flying On Alternative Fuels (May 22). Airbus - Environment articles. http://www.airbus.com/en/corporate/ethics/environment/articles/08_05_22_alternative_fuels.html Capoccitti, S, Khare, A & Mildenberger, U 2010, Aviation Industry – Mitigating Climate Change Impacts Through Technology and Policy, Journal of Technology Management and Innovation, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 1-15 ICAO ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT, 2010, Aviation’s Contribution to Climate Change, Montreal: ICAO. International Civil Aviation Organization, 2004, ICAO Journal, Volume 59, Montréal: ICAO. Lee, H, Olsen, SC, Wuebbles, DJ & Youn, D 2013, Impacts of aircraft emissions on the air quality near the ground, Atmos. Chem. Phys., vol. 13, pp. 5505–5522. Mermod, AY & Dömbekci, B 2011, Emission trading applications in the European Union and the case of Turkey as an emerging market, International Journal of Energy Sector Management, Vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 345 – 360. NOAA National Weather Service, 2007, Climate Change, Maryland: NOAA National Weather Service. Olsen, SC, Wuebbles, DJ, & Owen, B 2013, Comparison of global 3-D aviation emissions datasets, Atmos. Chem. Phys., vol. 13, 429–441. Thomas, RM 2003, Blending Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods in Theses and Dissertations, California: Corwin Press. United Nations Environment Programme, 2013, Climate change, Nairobi: United Nations Environment Programme. Vlachou, A 2013, The European Union’s Emissions Trading System, Camb. J. Econ. Pp. 127-152. Wuebbles, D, Douglass, A, Kärcher, B … , Yu, F 2006, Workshop on the Impacts of Aviation on Climate Change: A Report of Findings and Recommendations, Cambridge. Yilmaz, K & Flouris, TG 2012, Risk Management and Corporate Sustainability in Aviation, Farnham: Ashgate Publishers. Read More