The Impact οf Climate Change οn Air Transport

Purpose: The object of the research is the changing climate and its impact on air transport in Poland. The primary objective of the study was to present the most crucial elements of the air transport sector, vulnerable to the more and more frequent climate changes, and vulnerability indicators which allow to evaluate the impact of the change of climatic elements on the operation conditions of air transport. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research process was conducted in two major stages. The first step was to select and indicate elements vulnerable to climatic factors having a key impact on the decisions regarding the essential characteristics of the transport sector while presenting the vulnerability indicators. This was performed with the application of a diagnostic survey using the questionnaire tool. The survey was conducted among the passengers of Warsaw airports in the year 2017. Findings: The current warming of the climatic system entails measurable consequences which soon will have very costly and inevitable consequences both for air transport and economy in Europe and elsewhere, if no fast and firm corrective and remedial actions are taken. Practical Implications: Climate change presents a considerable global threat. The overwhelming majority of recent scientific research and climate change reports confirm that current global warming is the result of human activities. Climate has already started to change, and it is evident that the rate of change is increasing. It has begun to affect air transport, i.e., one of the transport branches most vulnerable to climatic changes. Its sensitivity to climatic conditions should be viewed in relation to three basic elements: infrastructure, means of transport, and social comfort. Appropriate operation of the transport sector, in turn, may be guaranteed only if climatic factors are considered. Originality/Value: Indication of the most crucial elements of the air transport sector, vulnerable to the more and more frequent climate changes, and vulnerability indicators which allow to evaluate the impact of the change of climatic elements on the conditions of operation of air transport.