Fly less
Published: 23 Nov 2021
It also contributes to ‘climate change through a range of ‘non-CO2’ impacts which occur at altitude. The most recent evidence indicates that these non-CO2 effects could double the warming impact of aviation, making the industry’s contribution to global climate change far more significant than current estimates suggest.’
Flight prices are cheap in part due to the fact that international flights in Europe are not subject to VAT and airlines pay no tax on their kerosene fuel. An interesting suggestion is for the introduction of a frequent flyer charge or levy or tax. This would not come into effect for the first flight per year but would be applied from the second flight per year onwards which would then target frequent flyers rather than ordinary families.
Against this background we probably all know we should be flying less (if at all) but what can we do?
Individually we can obviously choose not to fly and we can also do this more publicly by signing a pledge like this one.
If you are thinking about flying, check out what the emissions will be by using this carbon calculator. A return flight from London to Rome will for example emit 234kg of CO2.
Depending on your circumstances obviously, could you ask your employer to introduce the concept of Climate Perks or Journey Days where staff are offered a paid day at the start of their holidays and another at the end to enable them to travel to their destination by means other than flying.