Some suggestions to alleviate the embarrassment of flying because of the carbon footprint
Greta Thunberg, the 16-year-old who recently traveled by boat from her home in Sweden to New York instead of taking a plane to attend the United Nations Climate Action Summit, is the current face of ‘flygskam’ or ‘vergüenza de volar’, a growing movement in Europe and North America that aims to reduce air travel in order to lessen the impact on the environment. By following a few suggestions, this blush can be controlled.
Some tips.
A globally, flights produced 895 million tons of CO2 in 2018, while humans emit more than 42 billion tons, according to the Air Transport Action Group. Overall, the aviation industry is responsible for 2% of emissions, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
For its part, Spain ranks second in Europe and fifth in the world in terms of the amount of emissions produced through air travel, with a total of 20.7 million tons of carbon dioxide, up 21% from 2017. Globally, it ranks just behind Great Britain and India.
These emissions have a major impact on the environment. With the gradual growth of air traffic, the damage is increasing. Here are some tips to reduce your carbon footprint while making the most of your travel:23
Avoid short journeys
For example, when traveling between Madrid and Lisbon, for example, road transport will reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by more than 40% compared to air travel. Your share of CO2 emissions on a flight between the two cities would add up to 109.3 kilograms, while driving would account for 65.5 kg and train travel 21.8 kg.
If by not changing planes
Flying non-stop saves a lot of energy, because takeoffs and climbing require much more energy than cruising at altitude. In fact, about 25% of the fuel used is consumed during takeoff. Once at cruising speed, the aircraft becomes much more fuel efficient. It should also be noted that changing aircraft is more inconvenient.
Avoid long flights
To save fuel, the best flight length is approximately 4,828 kilometers. Longer flights require more fuel, which makes the aircraft heavier and less efficient, so its carbon footprint per kilometer increases.
Use eco-friendly airports
?What is an eco-friendly airport? Factors such as their recycling programs, sustainable building design, reduction of air pollution and emission control for airport vehicles. Airports recognized for their environmental efforts include Logan Airport in Boston, Zúrich or East Midlands Airport in England, among others.
Economy class
The more passengers an airplane carries, the more energy efficient it becomes, and it can do so if Business Class and First Class allow as much space as possible for the rest of the passengers, who will be more cramped and therefore in greater numbers.
Lightweight baggage
The heavier the belongings to be transported, the less efficient the aircraft's energy use. In addition, lightweight luggage is more practical.
Refuse or reuse plastic
To be more environmentally friendly, it's best not to use plastic at the airport or on the plane. That includes straws, stirrers or cups. Some personal plastics on the flight can be reused.
Sustainable suppliers
Some tourism suppliers routinely offset carbon emissions. It's not a bad idea to compensate them for it in the pecking order.
Compensation schemes
Non-profit carbon offset programs allow you to buy an equivalent amount of the cost of the flight. It is a way to invest money in projects to save energy and emissions elsewhere. Some airlines also partner with carbon offset programs.
Some airlines also partner with carbon offset programs.