CO2 Levels Could Hit A 50-Million-Year High Within Decades
A new study says if humans don't curb emissions, Earth could see CO2 levels that haven't been reached in 50 million years.
LEARN MOREClimate Change Could Make Transatlantic Flights Really, Really Bumpy
Rising global temperatures could lead to more turbulence during transatlantic flights.
Climate Change Could Make Transatlantic Flights Really, Really Bumpy
Getty Images
April 7, 2017
Climate change could make turbulence on transatlantic flights really common and really bad.
Researchers from the University of Reading studied the potential effects of climate change on jet streams in the winter.
Significant air temperature differences in the streams causes stronger wind shears, which basically means a plane flying through the area is going to shake — a lot.
Averaged out, they found the likelihood of light turbulence could increase by 59 percent, the likelihood of moderate turbulence could increase by 94 percent, and the likelihood of severe turbulence could increase by almost 150 percent.
The turbulence could possibly be severe enough to cause an unbuckled passenger to fly around the cabin.
Airplane staff likely wouldn't be able to deliver food, and walking onboard would be impossible.
The good news is that countries around the world are trying to lower CO2 emissions that contribute to climate change.
And the researchers hope that expanding their study could help lead to improvements in technology that would increase pilots' abilities to avoid turbulence.
4:55
Does climate change make you anxious? You're not alone
Extreme temperatures can impact physical health, but the changing climate is also taking a toll on mental health, especially for younger generations.
By AP2:39
Climate change making the homeless population even more vulnerable
Americans who experience homelessness often feel the impacts of extreme weather events first.
By Scripps News2:47
Climate change is already forcing communities to relocate
Environmental changes due to climate change are pushing residents out of their neighborhoods, though many are ignoring the signs.
By APTop Stories
5:04
What does it cost to have cancer?
An oncologist and parents of kids with cancer share how the costs of treatment can hinder or even completely prevent a patient from getting care.
By San Francisco Chronicle / AP6:35
Life-saving drugs costs thousands in the US. Can laws change that?
Prescription drugs are often priced higher in the U.S. than in other countries, but some legislation is trying to cut costs.
By AP3:08
Meet Hal, a robot helping future nurses treat patients in real time
Nursing students are using artificial intelligence and robots to train for real life patients' symptoms and concerns.
By Scripps News