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Is flying really bad for the climate?

Worldwide, aviation is responsible for 2 percent of human-generated carbon dioxide, one of the greenhouse gas emissions that warm the planet, causing climate change.



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Air travel accounts for about 4 percent of human-induced global warming, and the United Nations warns that airplane emissions are set to triple by 2050. Planes are becoming more efficient, but our appetite for air travel is outpacing the industry's environmental gains.

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When comparing the number of emissions per person, it may seem like flying is better than driving. However, when more people share the drive, emissions per person are reduced, making driving more environmentally friendly than flying. But if you are driving cross-country solo, you are better off taking to the skies.

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Aviation is responsible for between 2pc and 3pc of global carbon emissions. And Ms Thunberg continues to refuse to fly because of the impact on the environment.

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The problem with travel If global aviation was a country, it would rank in the top 10 emitters – kicking out an estimated 3% of all global greenhouse gases per year. Cruise ships are some of the worst offenders emitting more carbon per passenger kilometre than flying.

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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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The EPA states that “a typical passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year.” Comparatively, a cross-country, round-trip flight in economy from New York to Los Angeles produces an estimated 0.62 tons of CO2 per passenger, according to the UN's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) ...

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Finally, the plane is the most polluting means of transport and the one that generates the most greenhouse emissions.

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It empties your energy tank. Air pressure is lower at higher altitudes, which means your body takes in less oxygen. Airlines “pressurize” the air in the cabin, but not to sea-level pressures, so there's still less oxygen getting to your body when you fly, which can make you feel drained or even short of breath.

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Compared to flying, using the train emits on average six times less GHG emissions.

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This high carbon emission is mainly due to the significant fuel consumption and associated emissions of airplanes. On the other hand, traveling by train offers a more environmentally friendly alternative.

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Aviation accounts for around 2.5% of global CO2 emissions, but 3.5% when we take non-CO2 impacts on climate into account. Flying is a highly controversial topic in climate debates. There are a few reasons for this. The first is the disconnect between its role in our personal and collective carbon emissions.

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For those who want to reduce their emissions from flying, one tip is to take fewer trips that are longer in duration, as opposed to numerous short trips. The emissions from frequent flying can quickly add up.

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Ships are more environmentally friendly than planes, as greenhouse gasses emitted when using planes are much higher. Since planes emit these greenhouse gasses in the stratosphere, they considerably affect atmospheric chemistry. So, these plane emissions have a worse environmental impact than that of ships.

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The most obvious and climate-friendly solution is riding aboard a cargo ship, thousands of which cross the Atlantic each year.

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Taking the train or ferry works out to be around seven times less polluting than travelling by plane, according to various estimates. Travelling by train is slightly greener than taking the ferry, in terms of emissions.

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