Today’s Solutions: November 10, 2024

Despite being in low demand, the airline industry could be getting some greener regulations in the near future. For the first time in the history of aviation, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed carbon dioxide standards for the airline industry last week. 

Although the EPA has not publicly released their proposed regulations, many environmental organizations, such as the Center for Biological Diversity’s Climate Law Institute, have been pushing the regulatory agency to impose stricter oversight of the airline industry since 2010. The institute has sued the Obama and Trump administrations in 2010, 2014, and 2016 in an attempt to increase airline emissions regulations. 

After the 2016 court confirmation that aircraft pollution is indeed a threat to public health and wellbeing, the EPA is finally proposing regulations. The regulations will likely start out small and codify the standards set by the United Nation’s International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Many aircrafts flying in the US today already meet those standards, so it’s a good place to begin.

Stricter regulations are badly needed. Planes are expected to generate 43 metric gigatons of carbon dioxide by 2050 after airline operations resume post COVID-19. So what would more effective regulations look like? The Center for Biological Diversity’s Climate Law Institute says capping emissions at 2020 levels is a great start. Next, they propose forcing airlines to reduce emissions by at least 50 percent from 2005 levels by 2050.

Investing in greener forms of efficient travel like high-speed trains is another great option. Additionally, the U.S. could follow in Norway’s footsteps. The country has committed to electrify all flights by 2040.

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

A synthetic cornea just restored the vision of a blind man

According to the WHO, corneal damage from infections or inflammatory eye diseases is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, affecting around two ...

Read More

New electrolyzer improves green hydrogen production

Green hydrogen continues to gain momentum in funding and research. The hydrogen market is projected to grow to $2.5 trillion by 2050. "Green" hydrogen ...

Read More

This app can save time and lives by diagnosing skin conditions

After a concerning brush with melanoma, where a lengthy test dangerously delayed her treatment, Susan Conover began her studies in skin diseases and dermatology. ...

Read More

What the California food additive ban means for the candy industry

In a big step forward for food safety, California recently enacted a new law known as the "Skittles ban." While the nickname may be ...

Read More