Air pollution at airports can be minimized easily and cheaply
A new study shows significant air pollution around Copenhagen Airport Kastrup. Green Transition Denmark is concerned about the results and wants the politicians to ensure cleaner aviation fuels, in order to reduce both climate impact and air pollution
The area around Copenhagen Airport Kastrup is just as polluted with ultrafine particles as the most polluted street in Copenhagen, HC Andersens Boulevard. This is shown in a new report from DCE – National Center for the Environment and Energy, commissioned by the Ministry of the Environment.
"The air pollution around Copenhagen Airport is high and on a level with the busiest streets in Copenhagen. Fortunately, we have the opportunity to significantly reduce air pollution by ensuring the use of cleaner aviation fuels, to the benefit of the airport's neighbours," says Jeppe Juul, Head of Transport Policy at the Green Transition Denmark.
He points out that already known technology can ensure cleaner aviation fuels, which by minimizing the so-called aromatic content and sulphur, can have a significantly cleaner combustion, which will ensure significantly fewer ultrafine particles from the exhaust. This also has a major impact on the aircraft's climate impact, because the particles cause condensation streaks that have a major climate effect.
"In order to reduce the climate impact of flying, it is important to switch to cleaner aviation fuels. It is the absolute cheapest climate measure, and it can be implemented quite quickly,” says Jeppe Juul.
In connection with the introduction of a passenger tax per 1 January 2025, part of the income must be invested in the green transformation of aviation. Green Transition Denmark recommends that a smaller part of these funds be used to ensure cleaner aviation fuels.
"With funds from the passenger tax, we currently have a unique opportunity to both reduce the climate impact of flying and reduce air pollution around airports, which ensures better public health. It is now up to the government and parliament to make it happen,” concludes Jeppe Juul.
In the Climate Partnership for Aviation, Copenhagen Airports also supports cleaner aviation fuels for environmental reasons.
Green Transition Denmark works for a rapid and sustainable transformation of the transport sector, both nationally and in the EU.
More information
Read more and find the report 'Measurement of particle pollution around Copenhagen Airport in Kastrup'
