Studying the effects of Climate Change using actual measurements
Prof. Sp. Rapsomanikis talking on Naftemporiki TV
22-02-2024
The Head of the Environmental and Network Technologies and Applications Unit (ENTA) at the Athena Research Center and Professor of Atmospheric Pollution at the Democritus University of Thrace, Spyros Rapsomanikis, was recently featured on the Naftemporiki channel. He was a guest on the "Review" show hosted by journalist Takis Spiliopoulos. Prof. Rapsomanikis discussed the consequences of climate change, prompted by the recent UN report that analyzes how the culmination of climate change will impact our daily lives.
Prof. Rapsomanikis clarified that although climate change affects the entire planet, its intensity varies. While measurements indicate an increase in the average annual temperature by 1-1.5 degrees, the situation is more challenging for Greece, with some areas experiencing even greater temperature increases. He explained how extreme weather phenomena are generated as a result of this change and proposed specific adaptation methods since this situation is irreversible.
He then referred to the research he led, analyzing the impacts of climate change on air transportation. The temperature rise and changes in prevailing winds due to climate change have affected and will further impact air transportation. Planes lose the comparative advantage of taking off with less effort, and companies may be forced to reduce passenger numbers, impose greater weight restrictions, and possibly limit flights to airports with smaller runways.
Finally, Prof. Rapsomanikis discussed the Unit he leads at Athena and the coordinated research, emphasizing the significance of measuring the carbon footprint, especially following the latest EU directives. In this context, he emphasized that although climate change is irreversible, reducing greenhouse gas emissions can help maintain the current climate. The use of fuel that does not impact the climate and our lives is under serious consideration, such as green hydrogen produced directly from the sun with a single catalyst.