Ever since the Wright Brothers first took flight in 1903, the use of airplanes and aviation has grown exponentially. From serving as long-distance transportation of mail and cargo, to proving pivotal in WW2 when reinforcing troops, aviation has become a cornerstone of global economies. However, historically, environmental consequences of pollutant emissions have been overlooked, resulting in a thinning ozone layer and declining air quality in large, metropolitan regions. We’re left with an arduous task to coordinate globally, and mitigate further damage to the Earth’s climate while adapting to the current environmental conditions.

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Today, international aviation accounts for a major share of global greenhouse gas emissions, emitting expanding quantities of carbon dioxide, particulate matter, and other greenhouse pollutants. Cities with high air traffic–London, New York City, Shanghai, and more heavy industrial hubs–see most of the harmful impacts, with waning biodiversity from noise pollution and high rates of respiratory illness.

 

Rapidly industrializing developing economies also experience similar consequences, as cities like Jakarta and Lagos have excessive amounts of air pollutants but lack the infrastructure to mitigate such toxins. It’s imperative that certain measures be implemented collectively worldwide to stop the planet from further accelerating in the wrong direction, and to preserve the precious resources at risk because of aviation emissions. 

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Delegates will be presented the opportunity to collaborate with other delegates to propose solutions balancing economical demands with environmental preservation.