Internet use has an impact which in the case of aviation is far outweighed by the benefits it brings.
In the information age, the internet's influence on our lives is undeniable. From communication to entertainment to work, the global network has woven a dense web of interconnections that reach and provide services of all kinds to every corner of the planet. However, few have ventured to find out what the cost of maintaining all these connections is, and we rarely reflect on how much it costs. the environmental impact of this digital revolution. And let there be no doubt that as the internet industry continues to expand, its ecological footprint is also growing.
Until recently, there were certain areas, such as aviation, that remained outside these considerations. But the fact is that the digital revolution is also playing a major role in certain aspects of aviation and air transport.
Exploremos, pues, cómo la Internet and aviation is shaping many aspects of our society and let us propose a balanced vision that considers both the challenges and the opportunities that this convergence offers.
In 2012, the internet industry contributed around 2% of global CO2 emissions, a number that increased to a worrying 3.7% by early 2020. These figures, while staggering, only begin to scratch the surface of the complex relationship between technology and the environment. From sending emails to video calls and streaming, every click on the web has an associated ecological impact that often goes unnoticed.
To give an example: the simple act of sending 1,700 emails per year emits approximately 17 kilograms of CO2. This is because the email servers and the data centres that host them consume large amounts of electricityThe same applies to the routers, hubs, encoders, etc. that are necessary for the data to reach the end user. Much of this energy comes from non-renewable sources such as oil, coal or natural gas.
If we translate this to air transport, sending these 1,700 e-mails is equivalent to 5% of the emissions of a flight between Madrid and Vienna (1).
But how does aviation fit into this emissions landscape? To understand this, it is crucial to look beyond the skies and into airports and networked aircraft.
In the last decade, the availability of in-flight Internet connections ha experimentado un auge significativo. Hoy en día, una amplia gama de aerolíneas ofrece conectividad durante sus vuelos, permitiendo a los pasajeros mantenerse conectados incluso a varios miles de metros de altura. Este avance no solo has transformed the in-flight experience for passengersIt has also triggered a revolution in the way airlines manage their operations.
From real-time fleet monitoring to instant communication with crew, internet connectivity has become an indispensable tool in the world of aviation. However, in the same vein as discussed above, this also raises crucial questions about the necessary infrastructure to keep an entire fleet of aircraft connected... and its energy cost.
The infrastructure behind in-flight internet connectivity is complex and multifaceted. It involves a network of satellites, ground antennas and in-flight equipment that work together to provide a seamless and reliable connection.
Every connected flight is supported by an intricate network of technology that spans the globe. This deployment of technology does not come for free. Building, maintaining and servicing this infrastructure has an environmental impact that cannot be overlooked. However, it is important to also consider the positive role this connectivity plays in the operational efficiency of aviation. Let us not lose sight of the fact that a proper assessment of an environmental impact requires that both positive and negative aspects are included in the equation. It is the bottom line that counts.
In-flight internet connectivity not only enhances the passenger experience, it also it contributes to the efficiency and safety of air transport itself. It enables real-time monitoring of operations, which can lead to better fuel management, early detection of problems, more effective route planning or faster response to unexpected situations.
In addition, providing passengers with real-time information on flight incidents, delays, connections and alternatives reduces the need for unnecessary travel and optimises the use of resources. In this sense, internet connectivity both before and during the flight can be considered as a tool that contributes to improving the passenger experience. In this case, it should be seen as a positive impact.
The convergence between internet and aviation is a fertile field for innovation, but it also poses significant environmental challenges. As already argued, to address these challenges it is essential to consider both the cost and benefit of this convergence, both globally and in detail.
By taking steps to minimise the impact we individually generate on the internet, such as reducing the definition of streaming or turning off the camera during online meetings, we may be able to contribute to the mitigation of our own ecological footprint. But at the same time, we must recognise the fundamental role that connectivity plays in the development of individuals and collectives. In the case of aviation, we cannot take a different path to the rest of the sectors that are impacted by the Internet. Especially if we take into account benefits for both passengers and operators.
Ultimately, finding a balance between technological advancement, environmental responsibility and societal benefits is the key to future improvement.
