In July, a software outage paralyzed airlines worldwide, stranding passengers and forcing major airlines, like Delta, to face significant refund and reimbursement costs. Though flights resumed, another disruption occurred in Germany due to environmental activists. These events highlight the fragility of the air travel system and raise questions about its sustainability.

While the aviation industry is striving to reduce emissions, progress is slow. For instance, Air New Zealand recently abandoned its 2030 emission reduction goal, citing financial and logistical challenges. However, some airlines, like United and American Airlines, are making strides by investing in sustainable aviation fuels and hydrogen-powered engines.

Despite these efforts, the U.S. is still struggling to meet its climate goals. Although clean energy investments are increasing, challenges such as rising electricity demand and political divisions remain. However, ongoing investments in clean technology offer hope for future advancements.

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https://www.deseret.com/lifestyle/2024/08/06/airplane-cancellation-crisis-environment/