Airports are a major source of emissions, contributing to global climate change and air pollution. In this blog post, we will explore the statistics on airport pollution from around the world. We’ll look at how airports contribute to total aviation emissions worldwide, as well as their contribution to non-CO2 emissions in specific countries like the UK and US.
Additionally, we’ll examine aircraft engine contributions to CO2 emissions globally and NOx emission levels generated by single takeoffs. Finally, we’ll discuss other sources of airport-related pollutants such as ground service equipment (GSE) and solid waste production that can lead to additional environmental impacts.
By understanding these facts about airport pollution across different regions of the world, it is possible for us all work together towards reducing our carbon footprint through more sustainable travel practices.
Airport Pollution Statistics Overview
Aircraft engines contribute approximately 2% of global CO2 emissions.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the impact that aircraft engines have on global CO2 emissions. It serves as a reminder that airports are not only a source of noise pollution, but also a major contributor to climate change. This statistic highlights the need for airports to take action to reduce their emissions and become more sustainable.
On average, a single aircraft takeoff generates 9.5 kg of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the environmental impact of air travel. With 9.5 kg of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions generated from a single aircraft takeoff, it is clear that airports are a major source of air pollution. This statistic serves as a call to action to reduce the environmental footprint of air travel.
Airports in the United States are responsible for over 16,000 tons of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the environmental impact of airports in the United States. With over 16,000 tons of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, it is clear that airports are a major contributor to air pollution. This is an alarming figure that should not be overlooked, and it serves as a call to action for airports to take steps to reduce their emissions.
Almost half of all global CO2 emissions from aviation are caused by just 2% of airports – the world’s busiest 50 airports.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the disproportionate impact that the world’s busiest airports have on global CO2 emissions. It highlights the need for airports to take action to reduce their emissions and for governments to implement policies that incentivize airports to do so.
Ground service equipment (GSE) accounts for 9% of airport-controlled CO2 emissions.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the significant contribution that ground service equipment makes to airport-controlled CO2 emissions. It highlights the need for airports to take action to reduce their emissions from GSE, in order to reduce their overall environmental impact.
The total aviation emissions in Europe in 2019 are estimated to have been 56.5 million tons of CO2 equivalent.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the immense environmental impact of aviation in Europe. It highlights the urgent need for action to reduce emissions from air travel and to mitigate the effects of airport pollution.
Approximately 85% of all flight-related emissions occur from altitudes above 900 meters.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the impact air travel has on our environment. It highlights the fact that the majority of emissions from air travel occur at higher altitudes, where the pollutants are more likely to have a greater impact on the atmosphere. This means that airports, which are often located near densely populated areas, are likely to be contributing to a significant amount of air pollution.
In 2015, aviation was responsible for 12% of total transportation CO2 emissions in the United States.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the impact aviation has on the environment. It highlights the need for airports to take steps to reduce their carbon footprint and become more sustainable. It also serves as a call to action for travelers to consider the environmental impact of their choices when selecting a mode of transportation.
Airports produce at least 23 pollutants that have negative impacts on air quality.
This statistic serves as a stark reminder of the detrimental effects airports can have on air quality. It highlights the need for airports to take action to reduce their emissions and protect the environment. It also serves as a warning to those living near airports to be aware of the potential health risks associated with airport pollution.
In 2019, air travel generated nearly 915 million tons of CO2 emissions globally.
The staggering statistic of 915 million tons of CO2 emissions generated by air travel in 2019 is a stark reminder of the immense environmental impact of air travel. This figure serves as a powerful illustration of the need for airports to take action to reduce their carbon footprint and protect our planet.
Aircraft account for 13% of all transportation-related emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx).
This statistic is a stark reminder of the significant contribution aircraft make to the emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx). It highlights the need for airports to take proactive steps to reduce their NOx emissions and ensure that they are doing their part to protect the environment.
In 2018, aircraft emitted 15% of greenhouse gas emissions from the EU transport sector.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the significant contribution aircraft make to greenhouse gas emissions in the EU transport sector. It highlights the need for urgent action to reduce the environmental impact of air travel and ensure that airports are operating in a sustainable manner.
1.5%-2% of worldwide emissions of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are linked to aviation.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the impact aviation has on air pollution. It highlights the need for airports to take action to reduce their emissions of PM2.5, which can have serious health implications for those living in the vicinity of airports. It also serves as a call to action for governments to implement stricter regulations on aviation emissions in order to protect public health.
Up to 9,800 premature deaths in Europe each year are directly related to exposure to aviation emissions.
This statistic is a stark reminder of the devastating impact that aviation emissions can have on human health. It highlights the urgent need for action to reduce the amount of emissions released into the atmosphere from aircrafts, in order to protect the lives of thousands of people across Europe.
Conclusion
The statistics presented in this blog post demonstrate the significant environmental impact of airport pollution. Airports contribute 5% of total aviation emissions worldwide, and London Heathrow Airport alone generates 60% of the UK’s non-CO2 aviation emissions. Aircraft engines are responsible for approximately 2% of global CO2 emissions, while ground service equipment (GSE) accounts for 9%. On average, a single aircraft takeoff produces 9.5 kgs of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission and airports in the United States generate over 16,000 tons annually.
The world’s busiest 50 airports account for almost half of all global CO2 from aviation and US airports produced nearly 2.86 million tons of solid waste in 2018 which contributes to further air pollution levels as well as climate change due to its contribution to radiative forcing at 4.9%. In addition, 1.5%-2 % of PM2 .5 is linked with Aviation globally along with an estimated 1146 million tonnes Co₂ equivalents emitted by it in 2013, leading up to 20 000 premature deaths per year caused by exposure related issues across Europe only.
It is clear that airport pollution has serious consequences on our environment and health; therefore, more needs to be done to reduce these impacts through better regulation or technological advances such as electric planes or alternative fuel sources.
References
0. – https://www.eea.europa.eu
1. – https://www.greentravel.ie
2. – https://www.cleanenergywire.org
3. – https://www.europarl.europa.eu
4. – https://www.caa.co.uk
5. – https://www.airclim.org
6. – https://www.nepis.epa.gov
7. – https://www.atag.org
8. – https://www.epa.gov
9. – https://www.weforum.org
10. – https://www.ec.europa.eu
11. – https://www.icao.int
