Handbook for the Development of Air Transport : Chapter 8 - Environment Managing Environmental Externalities

Overview & Synopsis

This chapter explores the complex relationship between aviation and the environment, highlighting both the benefits of air transport and its environmental challenges. While aviation supports global connectivity and economic growth, it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, noise pollution, air quality concerns, habitat disturbance, and waste management issues. Growing awareness of these impacts has increased efforts to improve sustainability through enhanced fuel efficiency, emissions reductions, and innovative technologies. The chapter emphasizes the role of environmental externalities, which impose indirect societal and economic costs. Key mitigation measures include alternative fuels, emissions trading schemes, operational improvements, noise abatement programs, regulatory policies, and technological innovation.