science

LLM summary:

• Clear-air turbulence, which is invisible and unpredictable, is becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change.
• Studies have found a 55% increase in severe clear-air turbulence over the North Atlantic since 1979, with similar increases over the continental USA.
• The warming climate is strengthening wind shear in the jet streams, which is a major driver of increased clear-air turbulence.
• Convection caused by rising heat, particularly over oceans, is disrupting the fast-moving jet streams and leading to more turbulence.
• Climate models project a doubling or tripling of severe turbulence in the jet streams in the coming decades if climate change continues as expected.
• The increase in turbulence poses safety risks, as demonstrated by a 2024 Singapore Airlines incident that injured 83 passengers and resulted in one fatality.
• Passengers are advised to keep their seatbelts fastened even when the seatbelt sign is off, as turbulence can strike suddenly and unexpectedly.
• The FAA has documented 163 serious turbulence injuries to passengers and crew between 2009 and 2022.
• The jet streams, which commercial airliners fly through, can both help and hinder flights by pushing them across the Atlantic or slowing them down.
• Rising greenhouse gas levels, which are the highest in at least 800,000 years, are the primary driver behind the warming climate and resulting increase in turbulence.