Navigating the Skies of Change: The Intersection of Aviation and Environmental Sustainability with Nancy Young

FLYHT's JumpSeat

Embark on a transformative exploration with Nancy Young, a vanguard in the sphere of environmental law and sustainability, as she unfolds her journey from the halls of Capitol Hill to the cutting edge of eco-friendly aviation. Our conversation takes a deep dive into the complexities of marrying the world of air travel with the imperatives of environmental stewardship. As the Chief Sustainability Officer at GEVO and with a remarkable history at Airlines for America, Nancy shares her seasoned perspectives on pioneering climate initiatives and shaping the industry's sustainable transformation. Her experiences advising the UN on sustainable transport shine a light on the intricate challenges and triumphs encountered in steering aviation onto a greener flight path.
This episode is a treasure trove for those intrigued by the potential and hurdles of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Listen as we unravel the early awakenings within the aviation industry that led to the creation of CAAFI, and the collaborative milestones with ASTM International that paved the way for jet fuel innovation. Nancy illuminates the minimal adjustments airlines need to make for SAF adoption, the bright economic prospects it holds, and its critical role in mitigating the environmental impact of contrails. With the industry's SAF usage poised for significant growth, we analyze the strategies and research aimed at curbing the warming effects of vapor trails, all in the pursuit of a sustainable future that keeps our skies open and our planet cooler.

Chapters

1. Advancing Sustainable Aviation Fuel Solutions (00:00:00)

2. Sustainable Aviation Fuel Industry Development (00:11:30)

3. Impacts of Aviation on Global Warming (00:20:26)