We can drastically cut aviation's climate impact.
Contrails cause 1 – 2% of global warming. We can eliminate most of that at near-zero cost.
The Problem
Contrails have a substantial warming effect on the climate.
Aircraft cause warming in two ways: greenhouse gas emissions and contrails. That's because contrails (aircraft condensation trails) often grow into cirrus clouds that trap heat in the lower atmosphere and significantly add to global warming. Recent estimates show that contrail-cirrus warming is roughly equivalent to the warming caused by the greenhouse gas emissions of those same aircraft.
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The Solution
Only 5% of planes have to adjust their routes for significant climate benefit.
Using weather forecasts, satellite imagery and other data, we can model, detect, and avoid contrails just like turbulence, icing, or storms. We are advancing the latest science and building contrail mitigation systems that can be used by the aviation industry to significantly reduce their climate impact, immediately. Still curious? Go deeper on the science.
Learn More »- 5%
- Number of planes slightly redirected to avoid making most harmful contrails
- 80%
- Portion of contrail climate warming avoided by re-routing 5% of planes
- <$0.5
- Average cost of avoiding warming equivalent to one tonne of CO2
- Days
- Time it takes to get the full cooling effect of avoiding contrails
Who We Are
Reviate is a working group at Breakthrough Energy focused on contrails. We are a small team of engineers and scientists building on the work of our many collaborators to enable, verify, and ultimately accredit contrail-mitigating flight operations. The core of our work is open-source software tools that can accurately forecast and verify contrail impact and inform more sustainable flight plans. Learn more about our mission, team, and collaborators.
Learn More »See How It Works
Explore the contrail map
Our contrail map shows you how contrail-induced cirrus clouds are warming the planet. Learn whether your recent flight created harmful contrails, see how small changes to flight paths can prevent contrails, and more.
Start exploring »
Take Action
What can you do to help?
Aircraft condensation trails—or contrails—can turn into artificial cirrus clouds that trap radiation and significantly add to global warming. Recent estimates show that contrail-cirrus warming is comparable to the total CO2 emissions of aviation. Share our site with a friend and add your name to our mailing list so we can keep you posted on our progress and action you can take.
Learn More »Industry Professionals
If you work for or represent an airline, aircraft manufacturer, or other aviation industry vertical, we'd love to connect. We also need help improving our data and validating our model, and are currently launching a pilot program. Fill out our industry contact form.
ContactContrail Science in the Press
