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Space
Business Fortune
18 January, 2024
Aviation is responsible for around 2–3% of global carbon emissions.
The aerospace engineering industry and space tourism have had a significant, yet often overlooked environmental impact on our planet. Aerospace engineering has resulted in the development of technologies that have led to a more energy-efficient and quicker mode of transportation, while space tourism has opened up opportunities for space exploration and commercialization. However, these advances come at a price: increased carbon emissions and waste production, as well as potential damage to the atmosphere. One of the significant environmental impacts of aerospace engineering is the release of carbon emissions from jet engines. Aviation is responsible for around 2–3% of global carbon emissions, and the number is set to grow as air travel becomes more popular.
Moreover, the environmental impact of producing the machinery and parts used in the aerospace industry is also not trivial. The manufacturing process often requires different metals and materials that are mined using fossil fuels, which emit greenhouse gases. Similarly, space tourism and exploration have also led to environmental problems. In particular, there is an increased risk of debris that can pose an environmental and safety hazard both on Earth and in space. The amount of space debris has been increasing since the Space Age began, and it is estimated that there are millions of pieces of debris around the Earth's orbit. These objects range in size from a few millimeters to several meters in length, and their presence in space poses a severe risk of collision with satellites and space stations.