We all know that driving cars contribute to climate change, but it is not entirely avoidable. Flying, on the other hand, is almost always a luxury, and for most people, that’s rarely something we do.
Yes, there are frequent business travelers, but some people never fly, only 87% of airline passengers fly Less than once a year. Unfortunately, that annual flight can cancel all your green choice benefits throughout the year.
in fact, 1 round trip flight It releases more carbon dioxide (co2) than many people produce it in a year.
How bad is it flying?
On average, more than a few planes are produced 53 lbs Carbon dioxide per mile. According to figures from a German nonprofit organization AtmosfairFlying from London to New York and back produces around 986 kilograms of CO2 Each passenger. In other words, flying once releases more CO2 than the average person in 56 countries does in a year.
Think of this: Percentage of one passenger’s emissions in 2,500 miles of flight melt 32 square feet Arctic summer sea ice.
More attention has been paid to the issue of British airline emissions, but flights from US airports were largely responsible A quarter of the world’s flight-related carbon dioxide emissions. Earth911 reviewed various air travel carbon calculators and discovered them Google Flight The search tool provides the most reliable estimates.
Cars vs. planes
Driving can be more ecological Rather than flying, especially if you are driving an electric vehicle or are a passenger on a full bus. Shorter flights are most likely to exceed car emissions, as takeoffs and landings are less efficient than cruises at altitudes. Computations are complex and there are disagreements about the amounts that emphasize the weights of various factors. But for a rough idea of ​​whether it’s better to drive, you can try the befrugal one Fly or Drive Calculator.
Whether flight or driving is low in carbon dioxide, the unfortunate fact is that both methods of transportation are carbon-intensive.
I’m at home
The most eco-friendly option is not to travel at all. If the purpose of your trip is simply to relax, then using the money you spent on your plane ticket to upgrade your hotel for your stay might be the best option. And we often ignore the natural and cultural wonders near our home in favor of more distant, exotic areas. If you spend some of your travel time on local exploration, adventures and discoveries can be equal to far away.
Of course, for work or personal emergencies, you need to travel long distances in a short amount of time. Although they have their own complications, carbon offsets help minimize the inevitable impact of flights.
And spontaneous travel is more than an easy opportunity to relax. Some benefits come from getting out of your comfort zone and experiencing foreign cultures. Research shows Health benefits From a trip. Travel makes people more CreativeI’ll improve it Problem Solving Skills and builds Cultural Sensitivity. This kind of personal growth is also translated into valuable work skills in a globalized market. So, while avoiding unnecessary air travel has benefits, staying at home is not the answer.
A slow trip
A slow trip could be a solution We look at the world while minimizing our contribution to the climate crisis. For most supporters of slow travel, the focus is on replacing the stuffed animal itinerary with mindfulness. You can truly experience collaboration2 Spitting flights, but by eliminating the mentality of your bucket list, mindfulness also opens up the possibility of literally moving slowly with more greener transportation options.
If there is an option for Travel by trainmost often a more environmentally friendly choice than flying or driving. In many countries, train travel is not too slow or even faster than flying. However, rail travel is somewhat limited in the US and is not an option if you have to cross the ocean.
Greta Samberg’s recent trip to the US has sparked interest in slower and slower ways to cross the ocean. Unless you’re eco-rebritish or not skilled enough as Crewthat’s difficult – but It’s not impossible – Find a yacht that will take you across the sea. And even the most efficient cruise ships are discharged 3-4 times more carbon dioxide More passenger miles than jets.
That’s what the freighter is It’s far from the emissions. However, voyages as passengers on a freighter will not generate additional emissions as the ship sails with or without you. A small number of travel agents offer this option, with several shipping companies mooring directly to passengers. Voyage passengers must be more flexible than other travelers. Cargo ships do not always depart on scheduled days. Transatlantic Ocean It takes two weeks in between Crossing the Pacific Ocean You can take three. But for those who want to take a serious look without destroying the world, slow travel is the perfect solution for those who think a slow boat into China sounds like a great adventure.
Editor’s Note: This article, originally published on March 3, 2020, was updated in February 2025.
