Publication

DEVELOPING A SDGs-BASED FRAMEWORK FOR ASSESSING THE SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACT OF ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT

Bibliographic Details
Summary:	The expected exponential growth of lithium batteries in aircraft technology and the growth of the use of lithium on the automotive industry and other industries have been arising many concerns. Battery powered electric aircraft have been the target of many research studies in the recent years and many believe they could be the key to aviation’s zero emissions goal. This study investigates the implications of the electrification of the air transport industry and analyzes its socioeconomic impact, focusing particularly on lithium mining and exploring its influence on four of UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Building up on a modern methodological approach of socio-economic impact assessment, the key of the alignment of the SEIA framework and UN’s SDGs is basing on the chosen SDG indicators to perform the baseline review and consequently assessing the impact basing on the results of the baseline review stage. The versatility of the methodology adaptation is the key takeaway of this research. On a social level, the rise of electric aircraft and increase of demand and production of lithium batteries will negatively impact the quality of the water used in the mining areas, increasing migration and CO2 emissions. Nevertheless, it could improve adherence to sustainable sources of energy raise awareness towards good practices in mining. On an economical perspective, it can grow Chile’s GDP and generate employment. Further investment in the industry and its yearly production capacity could be crucial for a steady and sustainable economic development and improvement of the communities’ quality of life.
Authors:	Vilaça, Filipa
Subject:	Lítio, aeronave elétrica, extração de minerais, análise socioeconómica de impacto, objetivos de desenvolvimento sustentável. Lithium, electric aircraft, mineral extraction, socio-economic impact assessment, sustainable development goals
Year:	2024
Country:	Portugal
Document type:	master thesis
Access type:	Open
Associated institution:	Repositório Comum, Instituto Superior de Educação e Ciências, Repositório Comum, Instituto Superior de Ciências Educativas
Language:	English
Origin:	Repositório Comum

Description
Summary:	The expected exponential growth of lithium batteries in aircraft technology and the growth of the use of lithium on the automotive industry and other industries have been arising many concerns. Battery powered electric aircraft have been the target of many research studies in the recent years and many believe they could be the key to aviation’s zero emissions goal. This study investigates the implications of the electrification of the air transport industry and analyzes its socioeconomic impact, focusing particularly on lithium mining and exploring its influence on four of UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Building up on a modern methodological approach of socio-economic impact assessment, the key of the alignment of the SEIA framework and UN’s SDGs is basing on the chosen SDG indicators to perform the baseline review and consequently assessing the impact basing on the results of the baseline review stage. The versatility of the methodology adaptation is the key takeaway of this research. On a social level, the rise of electric aircraft and increase of demand and production of lithium batteries will negatively impact the quality of the water used in the mining areas, increasing migration and CO2 emissions. Nevertheless, it could improve adherence to sustainable sources of energy raise awareness towards good practices in mining. On an economical perspective, it can grow Chile’s GDP and generate employment. Further investment in the industry and its yearly production capacity could be crucial for a steady and sustainable economic development and improvement of the communities’ quality of life.