Episode 10: The Future of Sustainability in Aviation
In typical year, Eric and Kathryn both fly over 100,000 miles, take dozens of flights and spend days, if not weeks in the air. That adds up to an enormous carbon footprint.
Being grounded for much of the pandemic has had us both taking a harder look at how our passion for travel is contributing to climate change, though, and asking if there are ways we can address our environmental impact without simply giving up flying altogether. In today’s episode, Eric interviews three experts on the ways that airlines, airports, and yes, even travelers, can chart a greener course for the future.
KLM is experimenting with sustainable aviation fuel among other measures.
Karel Bockstael is the vice president of sustainability at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Though KLM has been around for over 100 years, making it the oldest airline in the world still operating under its original name, it also happens to be one of the most forward-thinking in terms of sustainability. Not only is the airline a pioneer in the use of sustainable aviation fuel that can cut CO2 emissions by up to 85% compared to conventional jet fuel, but it has also come up with creative ways to cut down on waste, and even recycles flight attendant uniforms into new plane carpeting. Karel fills us in on the various ways KLM sees flying changing in the future, and what airlines can do right now to make that happen.
Environmental initiatives at LAX include cutting down on food and construction waste and providing more means of transportation to cut down on emissions.
Our next guest is Samantha Bricker, the chief sustainability and revenue management officer for Los Angeles World Airports. Normally one of the busiest airports in the world LAX saw a dramatic dropoff in traffic during the pandemic, and has put that time to use expediting green building projects that will cut down on traffic, emissions, energy and water use, and waste in everything from food services to employee parking, not to mention getting folks to and from the airport faster. She also tells us about some interesting community and environmental outreach programs that are central to LAX’s sustainability mission.
For a balanced overview of just how dire the aviation industry’s environmental impact is, and the ways that might change in the future, we turn to Tim Johnson, the director of the U.K.-based Aviation Environment Federation. Tim works with the U.N. International Civil Aviation Organisation to monitor the aviation industry and examine its climate and community impacts. He is also a fount of knowledge about how travelers can make savvier and more responsible choices when flying, and gives us a new, clearer perspective for examining how our personal travel can impact the environment.
As always, we love to hear your thoughts and responses – and whether this episode might have you rethinking your travel plans to include more sustainable airlines and airports in the future. Follow and message us on Facebook and Instagram to let us know!