Heating the Battle Space: Consequences of Climate Change on Air Operations

Abstract

Climate change is not a prediction, it is a present-day ground reality. It has been accelerated by man-made reasons primarily by the emission of greenhouse gases and deforestation. This study is focused on the consequences of global warming speci cally on air operations. Objectives of the study are to nd out the consequences of global warming, particularly on air operations, to identify the measures taken by di erent stakeholders to address the issues due to global warming, to determine the level of commitment of aviators in adopting the measures to address global warming and potential inputs of technology to mitigate adverse e ects of global warming on air operations. The methodology of the study adopted an inductive approach to this exploratory qualitative study and pragmatism was the philosophy. Grounded theory was the strategy and the time horizon was crosssectional. Data collection and analysis happened to be the technique. Primary data were collected through a sample of aviators operating in tropical regions, selected through purposive sampling. The ndings of the study revealed that, disrupted weather patterns, e ects on aircraft performance, e ects on human performance, sustainability of aircraft and associated equipment, risk of re hazard and rise of sea level are the most pressing phenomenons on air operations due to climatic change. There were two recommendations based on the research outcome namely, to encourage global-level discussions for seeking long-term solutions, continue research on sustainable solutions and develop a combined strategy. Human kind have already joined the vicious cycle of climate change and accelerated it through a variety of activities, essential for modern-day living. Yet there are ways and means to slow down the process of global warming, which require shortterm and long-term solutions. Collective e ort through genuine collaboration could yield better results than working in isolation.