Let’s face it... Air travel gets a bad rap for contributing to the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change.
✈️ In 2023, global air travel contributed 950 megatonnes of CO2 ¹
️✈️ This surpasses the 2022 emissions of Texas and Florida combined! ²
As travelers who care about the effects of climate change, we can take actions to reduce our carbon footprint. Use the steps below to get started.
✅ Opt for Nonstop Flights When Possible
• How: Easy! Select the “nonstop” or “direct” option when searching for a flight
• Impact: Minimizing takeoffs and landings significantly cuts emissions
✅ Choose Airlines Committed to Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs)
• How: Review airline sustainability reports or press releases on their websites
• Impact: Backing SAF initiatives drives the industry toward cleaner technologies
✅ Invest in carbon offsets
• How: Purchase offsets either through airlines or reputable third-party providers
• Impact: Offsets fund projects that counteract the environmental effects of your travel
✅ Choose economy over premium seating when possible
• How: Compare seat specifications on airline websites to find your optimal fit
• Impact: Maximizing passengers per flight improves fuel efficiency per person
✅ Pack light
• Impact: Reducing luggage weight decreases the aircraft's fuel consumption
• How: Opt for versatile clothing and pack only essentials
✅ Know the carbon footprint of flights before booking
• Impact: Informed choices can promote environmentally friendlier options
• How: Use an online flight emissions calculator tool to compare different flights
✅ Minimize Single-Use Plastics In-Flight
• Impact: Individual actions can multiply into a reduction of fossil fuel-based waste
• How: Bring reusable items, snacks, a lightweight blanket, and dress in layers
By adopting these practices, we can make a difference in our carbon travel footprint
Sources
¹ Aviation - IEA
² Carbon Dioxide Emissions by State | Choose Energy
