US CNN "Increased Likelihood of Encountering Aircraft Turbulence Due to Climate Change"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] There is a claim that the likelihood of encountering turbulence during flights will increase due to the impact of climate change.

On the 1st (local time), according to the US CNN broadcast, Paul Williams, a professor of atmospheric science at the University of Reading in the UK, said, "Computer simulations have found that severe turbulence could increase two to three times over the next few decades."

He has been researching this issue since 2013, observing that climate change is causing changes in turbulence. The severe turbulence he mentioned refers to turbulence strong enough to throw passengers around the cabin if seat belts are not fastened, potentially causing serious injuries such as fractures.

His research focuses on "clear-air turbulence." This turbulence occurs without visible signs such as clouds and, unlike typical turbulence, appears suddenly and is difficult to avoid.

Professor Williams predicted that clear-air turbulence will significantly increase worldwide between 2050 and 2080. Both the frequency of turbulence and the average duration are expected to increase.

Professor Williams said, "Generally, flights crossing the Atlantic can expect about 10 minutes of turbulence," adding, "Within a few decades, this could increase to around 20 or 30 minutes."

The aviation industry is taking this issue seriously. There are calls for some regulatory changes, such as strengthening seat belt requirements.

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