Do you know that aviation accounts for only 2.5% of global CO2 emissions whilst it accounts for 11.6% of emissions from transport? 

In this article, we explore why the aviation sector generates considerable controversy. We will compare the environmental impacts of different travel modes—train, short-haul flights and long-haul flights—and discuss the technological advancements being made to further decarbonise this sector.
 

Controversy in the sky

Our World in Data

Why does aviation generate so much debate? Although aviation accounts for only 2.5% of global CO2 emissions, it has a significant impact on the carbon footprint of frequent flyers. This disparity is largely because air travel remains unaffordable and inaccessible for some of the population, while billionaires and celebrities frequently travel in private jets. 

Research indicates that private jets emit at least 10 times more pollutants per passenger compared to commercial airplanes. Consequently, it seems a small number of ultra-wealthy individuals contribute disproportionately to climate change, exacerbating the injustice for the rest of the population who suffer more from its effects, such as flooding and drought. 
 

Short-haul vs. long-haul

Environmental impacts differ significantly between short and long-haul flights. Short-haul flights are disproportionately harmful due to higher emissions during takeoff and landing. Although long-haul flights emit more overall, they are often deemed necessary for certain inter-continental journeys. For many short trips, especially in Europe, trains offer a viable and significantly less polluting alternative. For example, a flight from Paris to London emits 111.5 kg of carbon, whereas taking the train only emits 22.2 kg.

How about taking trains?
 

Adobe Express 

Choosing train travel over flying can drastically reduce our carbon footprint, which is crucial for those looking to minimise their environmental impact, particularly during holidays in Europe. For example, taking the Eurostar emits only about 4 grams of CO2 per passenger kilometre, compared to 154 grams from a short-haul flight. This means the Eurostar’s carbon footprint is only about 4% of that of a flight.

However, the main challenge with train travel is often the cost. Train tickets can be prohibitively expensive, deterring people from choosing this greener option. To encourage more sustainable travel choices, governments should consider regulating prices and subsidising train tickets, so that train travel is more accessible and appealing. Such policies would not only promote environmental sustainability but also make eco-friendly travel options more financially viable for the general public.

Strategies for reducing aviation emissions across Europe

Although aviation is relatively low in emissions in comparison to other modes of transport, such as shipping or road traffic, we still need to find a way to make it more environmentally sustainable. To effectively reduce aviation emissions, governments need to adopt comprehensive strategies that encompass both domestic and international regulations. These strategies should foster the adoption of biofuels, which are significantly less polluting than conventional jet fuels. For example, the European Union is advancing the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) through its ReFuelEU Aviation initiative, aiming to increase SAF uptake to 5% by 2030 and to 63% by 2050. In Sweden, the government’s tax relief measures for biofuels have boosted their use at Stockholm's Arlanda Airport, with airlines like SAS offering passengers the option to choose biofuel when purchasing tickets, reducing their flights’ carbon footprints.

Read more Exploring Europe's top 10 greenest countries and their environmental commitment

In addition to promoting biofuels, there is a critical need to invest in technologies for cleaner and more efficient aircraft engines. The UK government supports Rolls-Royce in developing the UltraFan engine, which is expected to improve fuel efficiency by up to 25%. Similarly, Airbus’s ZEROe project, supported by various European governments is exploring the feasibility of hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft expected to enter service by 2035.

Promoting alternatives to flying for shorter distances can significantly reduce emissions. Investing in high-speed rail networks and improving the integration of different transport modes makes rail travel a competitive alternative to flying. France, for example, has banned short-haul domestic flights on routes where trains can cover the journey in under 2.5 hours, utilising its extensive high-speed rail network. Germany has also invested heavily in its rail infrastructure and subsidised ticket costs, making train travel a more attractive option for travellers. 

What can we expect now?

Aviation is one of the toughest sectors to decarbonize. While we can use renewable energy sources to power electricity, cars and heating systems, aviation lags behind. Even industries traditionally difficult to clean up, like cement and steel production are finding greener alternatives. However, aviation has not progressed as quickly. As global wealth increases, so too might aviation emissions unless more efficient, cleaner power sources are adopted. The industry must transition from traditional jet fuel to alternatives like electricity, biofuels or hydrogen to significantly reduce its environmental impact.

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