Do you really know?

Should I quit air travel to save the planet?

Dec 7, 2024

Air travel significantly impacts the environment, currently contributing to 2% of global carbon emissions, with projections rising to 16% by 2050. The podcast explores the growing movement against flying, spotlighting individuals like Greta Thunberg who have chosen to forgo air travel. It raises questions about whether personal changes can truly make a difference and examines the financial and time costs of alternatives like train travel. As the climate crisis intensifies, the discussion looks at potential shifts in consumer behavior and government policies.

04:34

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Quick takeaways

Flying currently contributes to around 2% of global carbon emissions, projected to rise to 16% by 2050, prompting urgent discussions on sustainable travel.

Influential figures like Greta Thunberg advocate for avoiding air travel, resonating with a growing movement prioritizing personal choices to combat climate change.

Deep dives

Environmental Impact of Air Travel

Flying contributes significantly to global carbon emissions, currently accounting for approximately 2% and projected to rise to 16% by 2050. The sustainability concerns surrounding air travel have prompted a response from individuals and organizations alike, with some choosing to abstain from flying entirely to minimize their carbon footprint. Notable figures like Greta Thunberg exemplify this movement; she has not flown since 2015, and many others have joined initiatives such as Flight Free UK, where over 4,500 people pledged to avoid air travel in 2022. As the urgency of the climate crisis escalates, the idea of 'flight shame,' originating from Sweden, has spurred a larger dialogue about the necessity of personal choices in reducing environmental impact.

The Environmental Cost of Air Travel and the Movement for Change

4min

Flying is far from being the most eco-friendly means of transport. Right now it’s responsible for around 2% of global carbon emissions, but that could grow to as high as 16% by 2050.

With the notable exception of travel restrictions in the last two years, the airline industry has gradually been transporting more and more passengers for decades now. While that continued growth is impressive, we have to recognise that along with it come certain undesirable effects on the environment. Now that the climate crisis is all the more undeniable, could we see the general trend reversing at some point? Certain environmentalists gave up flying long ago to limit their carbon footprint. Greta Thunberg is one prominent example.

Can individuals really make a difference? Isn’t taking the train way more expensive and time-consuming? In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions !

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A podcast written and realised by Joseph Chance.

First broadcast: 26/8/2022

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