"How Is Extreme Heat Affecting Air Travel?" Article Reflection No. 141 (6/14/2025)

Article: “How Is Extreme Heat Affecting Air Travel?”

Reflection:

In the article “How Is Extreme Heat Affecting Air Travel?” journalist Rebecca Dzombak discusses the impact of global warming on plane performance. As dense air helps planes lift off, the reduced amount of dense air in the atmosphere that results from warming temperatures delays the lift off process, according to the article. Through credible sources, the article also reassures readers that pilots have experience flying in various temperatures and, despite increased turbulence that can result from global warming, there are steps being taken to mitigate this. 

This article reminds me of another one that I read a while back that discussed the extent of preparation that it takes to ensure the safety of flights. While I was aware that traveling by plane does negatively impact the environment, I wasn’t aware that the environment—specifically, the warming temperatures—had a direct effect on the planes themselves. Recently there was an airplane crash that killed hundreds of people. The pain, loss, and suffering from these events is so hard to process and I pray for all the souls of those who passed away. Every time these kinds of disasters occur I can’t help but ask myself whether it’s really in fact safe to go on a plane in the future.