At a Glance

Researchers at the University of Reading say clear-air turbulence may more than double in the future, thanks to climate change.The scientists say increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations will create wind shears in the jet stream that will affect flights.

Climate change is expected to produce more turbulence for aircraft, increasing the risk of passenger injury and the cost of flights, a new study says.

According to the,climate change is expected to strengthen vertical wind shears in the jet stream at aircraft cruising altitudes, which could more than doublemoderate to severe clear-air turbulence by the end of the century.

"The climate is changing — not just where we live at ground level, but also where we fly at 30,000–40,000 feet," lead author , aRoyal Society University Research Fellowin Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics, said in the study. "Climate change may have important consequences for aviationbecausethe meteorological characteristics of the atmosphere influence airport operations, flight routes, journey times, and the safety and comfort of passengers and crew."

Researchers at theUniversity of Reading in England used climate model simulations to observe how clear-air turbulence might be affected by climate change during transatlantic wintertime flights at 39,000 feet.

They found that when are doubled, which is expected by the end of the century if nothing is done to curb carbon emissions, light clear-air turbulence will increaseby 59 percent on average, moderate turbulence will increase by 94 percentand severe turbulence will increase by 149 percent.

"For most passengers, light turbulence is nothing more than an annoying inconvenience that reduces their comfort levels, but for nervous fliers, even light turbulence can be distressing," Williams "Even the most seasoned frequent fliers may be alarmed at the prospect of a 149 percent increase in severe turbulence, which frequently hospitalizes air travelers and flight attendants around the world."

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), by clear-air turbulence in 2013.

The economic cost to airlines as a result of clear-air turbulence induced by climate change could be considerable, Williams noted.

"The economic costs of turbulence arise from injuries to passengers and crew, damage to airframes and cabins, flight delays, inspections, repairs, and post-accident investigations," Williams said in the study. "Estimates of the total economic cost vary from around $100 million annually to nearly $200 million annually for United States carriers alone."

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