From the article:
Recent research indicates that turbulence is rising and that this change is sparked by climate change, specifically elevated carbon dioxide emissions affecting air currents.
Paul Williams, a professor of atmospheric science at the University of Reading in England, has studied turbulence for more than a decade.
Dr. Williams's research has found that clear air turbulence, which occurs most frequently at high altitudes and in winter, could triple by the end of the century. He said that this type of turbulence, of all categories, is increasing around the world at all flight altitudes.
His research suggests that we could encounter bumpier flights in the coming years, which could potentially result in more passenger and crew injuries.
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/21/world/asia/singapore-airlines-turbulence-death.html?unlocked_article_code=1.t00.EL3-.P94Ig-CwZjav&smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
by OldTimberWolf
2 comments
The whole planet is turning into a dust bowl
It’s not the carbon dioxide that the planes are bumping into, it’s the atmosphere being more active.
Pour yourself a cup of cold water.
Then pour yourself a cup of boiling water.
See how the hot water circulates more and much faster?
It’s the same effect here, climate change is because if global warming – the atmosphere is moving much quicker and with more power because it’s getting hotter and hotter.
So the planes aren’t hitting carbon dioxide molecules, they’re interacting with an atmosphere that is circulating faster. That faster circulation means stronger differences between different parts of the atmosphere – which means stronger turbulence when you fly from one part of the atmosphere to another.