Contrails.org

Navigational contrail avoidance is built on the premise that persistent contrail regions are (relatively) easy to avoid. Our Research Scientist Paul Hodgson started a new notebook series breaking down the structure of persistent contrail regions and how these shapes inform navigational avoidance strategies. This first post looks at the thickness of contrail regions. Stay tuned for more! https://lnkd.in/eQsbpeJu

We’ve received lots of questions about how to compare the warming impact of contrails with CO2 emissions. Our Research Scientist Tristan Abbott just posted a short technical primer on the key differences between contrail and CO2 warming and guidance on ways to make meaningful comparisons of the two. https://lnkd.in/ej_xRfGt

Only 5% of flights generate 80% of aviation's contrail warming impact—and intelligent route planning offers a precise, data-driven solution to address this. Our infographic demonstrates the scientific approach to contrail mitigation through optimized flight planning. We don’t have to avoid every single contrail - research demonstrates that selective avoidance of high-impact segments can drive real impact with minimal operational impact. Studies indicate these targeted adjustments require just 0.1% additional fuel burn — a negligible climate cost compared to the substantial reduction in warming effects. Contrail prediction tools enable precise targeting of specific flight segments where warming impacts are most severe. By integrating these models directly into flight planning software, we can automate avoidance without increasing operational complexity for airlines, facilitating rapid, fleet-wide adoption of this mitigation strategy. #AviationScience #ContrailMitigation #ClimateResearch #FlightPlanning #AtmosphericPhysics #SustainableAviation

What does practical contrail management involve and what do we mean by intelligent route planning? Our latest infographic illustrates the systematic approach behind contrail management - a climate solution that elegantly combines meteorological forecasting, atmospheric modelling, and operational flight planning. It's an incredibly efficient intervention. By making small altitude adjustments to just 5% of flights responsible for 80% of contrail warming, airlines can significantly reduce their climate impact at an estimated cost of less than $0.50 per tonne of CO2 equivalent avoided. The four-step process shown here reflects decades of atmospheric research now being translated into actionable flight planning protocols, that can work within existing aviation systems. While still evolving, this methodology represents a promising addition to aviation's sustainability toolkit - one that complements longer-term decarbonisation efforts with immediate climate benefits. For those interested in the underlying atmospheric science and implementation research, please visit contrails.org. #AtmosphericScience #AviationSustainability #ClimateAction #FlightPlanning #ContrailManagement #SustainableFlight #Contrails.org

Contrails.org is the result of years of hard work and collaboration across the contrails research community. In our second notebook entry, we take a look at how we got here, and the vital research, connections and tools that underpin our mission today: https://lnkd.in/e6B66Cyg #contrails #sustainableaviation #climatesolutions

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⚖️ CO2 stays in our atmosphere for centuries but warms slowly, while contrails create intense warming but disappear within hours.   This is why effective climate strategy requires tackling both issues simultaneously—and why flight planning can be a powerful tool for immediate impact, as tackling contrails will reduce heating fast.   Follow us to stay up to date on the latest research and insights on contrail management.   #AviationClimate #SustainableFlight #GlobalWarming #ClimateScience #NetZeroAviation #ContrailAvoidance

One of the biggest climate challenges is hiding in plain sight. 🔬 Our latest explainer outlines how contrails affect Earth's energy balance, trapping heat at night while partially reflecting sunlight during the day, ultimately contributing around 1-2% of all human-caused global warming. Understanding these mechanisms helps us target exactly when and where contrail formation causes the most warming—critical knowledge for developing effective mitigation strategies. Follow contrails.org to stay up to date on the latest research and insights on contrail management. #ContrailScience #ClimateAction #AviationSustainability #AtmosphericScience

Did you know that different contrails can have quite different climate impacts? Our short video below outlines some of the differences between short-lived contrails (minimal impact) and persistent spreading contrails (potential major warming effect). The ability to better model when the most harmful types of contrails are likely to form will be a critical component of effective contrail management. It is an important focus of our research here at Contrails.org. With more accurate and timely forecasting tools, we can help aircraft avoid the formation of the most warming contrails while minimizing operational impacts. Want to learn more about science-backed solutions to aviation's climate challenge? Follow contrails.org for more insights. #ContrailScience #Aviation #SustainableAviation #ClimateAction #ContrailManagement #Contrails.org