fbpx ...

Powering Net Zero Commitments

Europe’s Largest Flying Lab gets to tackle climate change from the skies

The investment is meant to support research into a few of the globe’s most important environmental challenges like severe weather events and climate change.

Leading scientists from the UK will take to the sky on Europe’s largest flying laboratory in order to carry out important research into a few of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges like severe weather events and climate change. This is possible thanks to government investment. This announcement was made on the 20th of November, with the investment said to enable the UK’s most ambitious researchers and scientist continue progressing environmental research missions at altitudes of up to 10 kilometres for the next 10 years onboard the Facility for Airborne Atmospheric Measurements (FAAM) Airborne Laboratory, based in the UK. 

These missions will include collecting data on pollution and emission levels from remote locations all over the world, such as above the North Sea and volcanoes located in Iceland.

FAAM operates a specially adapted research aircraft based at Cranfield University and Airport, Bedfordshire, which is used to male innovative measurements in the atmosphere, from just about anywhere in the world for about 400 hours a year. The aircraft is continuously managed by a unique team of engineers, scientists, project managers, and flight technicians providing a complete package of support for the scientific community.

The BAE- 146 large research aircraft has previously conducted numerous projects such as searching for new air pollutant sources during the Cabo Verde dust season, tracking the source of methane emissions in Africa and the Arctic in order to combat worldwide temperature rises and measuring cloud atmospheres in order to improve weather forecasts.

The atmospheric data captured during future air missions can directly assist businesses, universities, the government and researchers on the ground by helping to inform future policy, transforming industries that are currently sources of high carbon emissions such as shipping and aiding to assess the impact of the latest environmental regulations. The data captured can help the UK meet its net zero emissions.

The announcement of this investment came on the tail of the Prime Minister setting his 10 point plan for a green industrial revolution.

Science Minister Amanda Solloway was quoted saying:

“Never has it been more exciting to be a scientist and nor have the challenges been greater.

Facilities like the FAAM Airborne Laboratory help ensure the UK remains at the forefront of tackling the most enduring threat to our planet while also supporting our innovative and brilliant scientific community. This funding is just another way we are supporting businesses and researchers to build back greener and drive the UK’s Green Industrial Revolution.”

The £61 million funding from the governments will be put towards securing the operation of the aircraft for the next 10 years and will be provided via the Natural Environment Research Council or NERC, which is the nation’s main agency for funding and managing research conducted in the environmental sciences.

Head of the FAAM Airborne Laboratory Mr Alan Woolley said:

“We operate the largest flying laboratory in Europe and, through our experience and expertise, offer a complete package of support for in-situ atmospheric measurements.

From measuring cloud microphysics to detecting complex chemical species, the aircraft is a highly capable flying laboratory.

It is capable of operating nearly everywhere in the world and supports global research initiatives, helping scientists and society to tackle the environmental challenges ahead, including climate change, air pollution and severe weather.”

As reported by GOV.UK 

Share this article on your social networks

Related Posts

Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Country: Understanding the Global Impact

Greenhouse gas emissions by country: Understanding the global impact. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top greenhouse gas emitting countries, sources of emissions, and efforts being made by countries to reduce emissions through increasing the use of renewable energy and improving energy efficiency.

Read More
GHG Reporting: Understanding and Mitigating Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting is the process of measuring, reporting, and ultimately reducing an organization’s emissions. In this article, we will explore the basics of GHG reporting including its importance in understanding and reducing emissions, the process of GHG reporting, the standards and protocols available, and the challenges that organisations may face

Read More
5 key takeouts from the new IPCC Climate Report

The most recent 3.675 pages IPCC report has been hailed as the most searing indictment of the planet’s climate predicament. Here are 5 key takeouts.

Read More
Overwhelming majority of Australians look to Brands to make a climate difference

The research, released today at Nine’s State of the Nation Sustainability virtual event, showed that despite everyday Australians making changes to live more sustainably, the majority feel that as a country, we are not doing enough, and brands need to lead the way.

Read More
67% of retail investors now prefer ESG investments

According to new research from behavioural finance experts, Oxford Risk, two out of three retail investors are considering transferring their investments into ESG propositions.

Read More
Massive and rapid swing. 75% of Australian businesses leaders believe world is at climate change tipping point: Deloitte Report

Australian business leaders are becoming a lot more concerned about climate change. This shift is according to a new report and it shows a significant shift in opinion in just 8 months.

Read More
Climate Impact Measurement and Disclosure Growing Quickly Among Businesses

Many of the world’s biggest organisations have begun to share information concerning their carbon footprint in a new move that embraces transparency as organisations are increasingly seeing value in measuring their impact.

Read More
Explosive research for Australian businesses: people are turning down high paying jobs for 1 surprising reason

employed by a company that did not do its part to address climate change.

Read More
Australia Ranks Last Out Of 60 Nations For Climate Crisis Response Policy

Australia’s government policy response to the climate crisis was ranked last in an assessment of 60 nations released at the current global climate summit in Glasgow

Read More