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Public Perception and Awareness of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in South Central United States

Author

Listed:
  • Brooke E. Rogachuk

    (School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Gallogly College of Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA)

  • Sadie M. Prigmore

    (Engineering Pathways, Gallogly College of Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA)

  • Chukwuma C. Ogbaga

    (Departments of Biotechnology, Microbiology, and Biochemistry, Philomath University, Kuje 903101, Nigeria)

  • Jude A. Okolie

    (Engineering Pathways, Gallogly College of Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK 73019, USA
    Department of Chemical Engineering, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA 17837, USA)

Abstract

The aviation sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and with the increasing demand for air travel these emissions are projected to continue rising in the coming years. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) could greatly help reduce these emissions and make the aviation industry more eco-friendly. SAF is a renewable, low-carbon alternative to conventional jet fuel produced from sustainable resources. A key step to bringing the fuel into regular use is studying how people view it. Understanding what the public think and feel about biofuels, including aviation fuel, is very important. This is because public opinion can shape consumer interest, demand for products, and the willingness of governments to back green energy policies and invest in clean technologies. The study systematically evaluates the public opinion, perception and awareness of SAF in the South Central United States and its utilization to decarbonize the aviation industry. This is performed through a series of multiple-choice survey questions and interviews. The study results show that while there is some recognition of the environmental impact of aviation and the potential role of biofuels in reducing this impact, there is still a need for greater public education and awareness regarding alternative fuels and their benefits for sustainable aviation. The findings of the study underscore a pivotal challenge in addressing aviation-related carbon emissions: the gap in public knowledge about potential solutions like biofuels and SAF. This gap not only reflects a lack of awareness but also hints at the possible skepticism or uncertainty among the public regarding the effectiveness and viability of these alternatives.

Suggested Citation

  • Brooke E. Rogachuk & Sadie M. Prigmore & Chukwuma C. Ogbaga & Jude A. Okolie, 2025. "Public Perception and Awareness of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in South Central United States," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-17, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:9:p:4019-:d:1645903
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sajad Ebrahimi & Jing Chen & Raj Bridgelall & Joseph Szmerekovsky & Jaideep Motwani, 2025. "Unlocking the Commercialization of SAF Through Integration of Industry 4.0: A Technological Perspective," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-44, August.

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