Is flying Greener Than Driving?

So, if you're traveling with three or more people, driving is the better option, and here's why: Three people on the cross-country flight would account for 1.86 tons of carbon emissions (0.62 tons of CO2 x 3), compared to the total 1.26 tons of carbon the vehicle would produce (ignoring that the extra weight would ...



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Train travel is the most ecologically friendly option, aside from walking or bicycling. They emit 66-75% less carbon emissions than other forms of transportation, even if they're electric.

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In the US, traveling by car uses more than double the energy you need to fly---unless you're behind the wheel of a new hybrid. When I moved to San Francisco from New York last year to join WIRED, my new boss scolded me for flying instead of enjoying an epic road trip. (Are you driving cross-country? he implored.

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“In 50 years, we will still be flying, and it will be sustainable,” says Palacios. “But we're in a fast-moving environment.” Until then, flight free activists will remain on the ground. “The only way to fly sustainably here and now is not to fly at all,” says Rosén.

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Released at high altitudes, aviation emissions have between two and four times the impact of comparable ground-source emissions. If we take these additional impacts into account, we see that aviation represents about 3.5% of the warming impact caused by humans.

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Airfare should be less affected by high fuel prices than gas-powered road trips. Driving could still be best over short distances or with a large group. Keep the high cost of renting a car (to drive to your destination or when you arrive after a flight) in mind.

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As you add more passengers, the amount of emissions your party produces increases on a flight. In contrast, the amount of greenhouse gas emissions, which trap heat and lead to global warming, produced decreases per person when driving. The break-even point for driving vs. flying in this example is 2.03 people.

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Air traffic represents less than 2-3% of the global CO2 emissions whereas road traffic accounts for around 10% of these direct emissions. Still, planes remain among the most polluting means of transport, together with cars.

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According to the 2021 U.S. Department of Energy Data Book, Amtrak is 46% more energy efficient than traveling by car and 34% more energy efficient than domestic air travel.

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Aviation accounts for around 2.5% of global CO2 emissions, but it's overall contribution to climate change is higher. This is because air travel does not only emit CO2: it affects the climate in a number of more complex ways.

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That is equal to 10% reduction in all greenhouse gases produced by a typical two-adult, two-car household. By eliminating one car and taking public transportation instead of driving, a saving of 30% of carbon dioxide emissions can be realized.

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It's relatively easy for us, much easier than air travel for example. Gas is comparatively cheap here, we have a federal interstate highway system that is generally well maintained, and you can drive for days without crossing a border or encountering someone who can't speak the same language you do.

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