Kiera Jefferson
The aviation sector currently accounts for about 2% of global emissions and is one of the fastest-growing polluters. Even short-haul flights produce a significant amount of CO2. Taking a long-haul flight generates more carbon emissions than the average person in dozens of countries produces in a whole year. For example, flying from London to New York and back generates about 986kg of CO2 per passenger. There are several ways to calculate the carbon emissions of a flight, such as using fuel consumption per flight or multiplying aviation CO2 emissions by a factor of 2.0.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| CO2 emissions from a flight from London to New York and back | 986 kg per passenger |
| CO2 emissions from a flight from Paris to New York | 1 ton of CO2 |
| CO2 emissions from a flight from Heathrow to Edinburgh | 33 tonnes of CO2 |
| CO2 emissions from a flight from New York, NY to Los Angeles, CA | 65 short tons of CO2 |
| CO2 emissions from aviation fuel per gram of fuel | 3.15 grams |
| CO2 emissions from a Boeing 737-400 | 115 g per passenger per km |
| CO2 emissions from a Boeing 747-400 | 92 kg CO2 per passenger per hour |
| CO2 emissions from a Ford Mondeo 1.8 TDCi | 151g of CO2 per km |
| CO2 emissions from a short-haul flight from London to Edinburgh | More CO2 than the mean annual emissions of a person in Uganda or Somalia |
| CO2 emissions from the aviation sector | 2% of global emissions |
| Number of flights departing from airports worldwide in 2019 | 40 million |
| Number of daily flights departing from airports worldwide in 2019 | 100,000 |
| Average number of daily flights departing from airports during a busy day in May | 162,637 |
| CO2 emissions from personal domestic and international flights by UK residents | 1.80 tonnes of CO2 |
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What You'll Learn
A single flight from New York to LA generates 65 tons of CO2
The aviation sector currently accounts for about 2% of global emissions, and it is one of the fastest-growing polluters. A single flight from New York to LA, which is about 2450 miles, generates a little over 65 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2). This amounts to about 986 kg of CO2 per passenger for a round trip from London to New York. Even short-haul flights produce a significant amount of CO2, and the emissions are around 90 kg of CO2 per passenger per hour for both short and long-distance flights.
The calculation of CO2 emissions from a flight depends on various factors, including fuel consumption, aircraft type, distance travelled, and the number of passengers on board. The fuel consumption per flight is influenced by factors such as the aircraft model, the number of seats, and the average seat occupancy or 'load factor'. The CO2 emissions from aviation fuel are approximately 3.15 grams per gram of fuel. By dividing the estimated fuel consumption by the number of passengers and considering the CO2 emissions factor, we can estimate the CO2 emissions per passenger.
Additionally, the type of aircraft and the distance travelled impact the overall CO2 emissions. Different aircraft models have varying fuel efficiencies, and longer flights will naturally consume more fuel and produce more emissions. The number of passengers on board also plays a role, as a higher occupancy can distribute the emissions across more individuals, reducing the per-passenger impact.
To make informed choices, individuals can use carbon footprint calculators available online. These tools allow users to input their flight details and receive an estimate of the associated CO2 emissions. By considering these emissions, individuals can explore lower-emission alternatives or, if flying is unavoidable, take steps to offset their carbon footprint through contributions to climate protection projects.
It is worth noting that jets produce the most carbon emissions during takeoff and landing. Therefore, taking a nonstop flight or one with the fewest stops can help reduce the carbon footprint. Additionally, airlines are working towards reducing their emissions. For instance, Airlines UK has expressed its commitment to halving emissions by 2050 and collaborating with national governments to achieve a zero-carbon future.
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Short-haul flights produce huge amounts of CO2
The aviation sector currently accounts for about 2% of global emissions, and is one of the fastest-growing polluters. According to The Guardian, even short-haul flights produce huge amounts of CO2. A short-haul return flight from London to Edinburgh produces more CO2 than the annual emissions of a person in Uganda or Somalia.
The amount of CO2 produced per mile depends on the type of aircraft and the number of passengers on board. A Boeing 737-400 jet, which is typically used for short international flights, can travel 926 km with 3.61 tonnes of fuel, with a seating capacity of 164 and an average seat occupancy of 65%. This gives a fuel usage of 36.6 g per passenger per km. The CO2 emissions from aviation fuel are 3.15 grams per gram of fuel, which gives CO2 emissions of 115 g per passenger per km. At a cruising speed of 780 km per hour, this is equivalent to 90 kg of CO2 per passenger per hour.
Aircraft on routes of 700 km or less emit more carbon dioxide per person for every km travelled than long-haul flights: 251 g per km for short-haul compared to 195 g/km for long-haul. This is because take-off and landing use the most fuel, making level flight relatively cleaner. By comparison, a diesel car emits 171 g/km of CO2 with one passenger or an average of 43 g/km for four passengers.
The UK government calculator (Act on CO2) does not include a Radiative Forcing factor, while the government uses a factor of 2 when 'offsetting' official flights. Emissions calculated according to great-circle distances and emission factors per km need to be adjusted by an additional 9% to account for delays and indirect flight paths.
The aviation industry is responsible for around 5% of global warming when other gases and water vapour trails are taken into account. The industry is committed to halving emissions by 2050 and working with governments to achieve a zero-carbon future.
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The aviation sector accounts for 2% of global emissions
The aviation sector is facing increasing criticism for its environmental footprint, including its CO2 emissions and its role in climate change. The sector currently accounts for about 2% of global emissions, with some sources placing this figure at 1.9%. This figure is a global average that puts developed and developing countries in the same basket. While the aviation sector in Europe accounts for 9.9% of total GHG emissions, in France, aviation's share of emissions was 15% in 2019.
The aviation sector is one of the fastest-growing polluters, with emissions from the sector projected to more than double by 2050, even if planes become more fuel-efficient and airlines optimise their operations. This increase in emissions is due to the growing number of flights, with almost 40 million flights expected to depart from airports worldwide in 2019, more than 100,000 flights per day. The carbon footprint of the aviation sector is disproportionately high for those who can afford to fly, with a short-haul return flight from London to Edinburgh contributing more CO2 than the annual emissions of a person in Uganda or Somalia.
The carbon emissions from a flight depend on various factors, including the type of aircraft, the distance travelled, and the number of passengers on board. A reasonable estimate for aviation CO2 emissions is 250 kg per passenger per hour of flying, or 1/4 tonne of CO2 equivalent. This estimate is based on the fuel consumption of a Boeing 737-400 jet, which is typically used for short international flights. For a distance of 926 km, the amount of fuel used is estimated to be 3.61 tonnes, including taxiing, take-off, cruising, and landing. With an average seat occupancy of 65%fuel use of 36.6 g per passenger per km and CO2 emissions of 115 g per passenger per km, or 90 kg per passenger per hour.
However, it is important to note that aviation emissions are not just limited to CO2. CO2 is responsible for only a third of aviation-induced global heating. The non-CO2 effects of aviation, such as the impact of contrails and induced cirrus clouds, as well as nitrogen oxide (NOx) derivatives, contribute to the overall climate impact of the aviation sector. When these non-CO2 effects are considered, the aviation sector's contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions increases to 5.9%.
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A Paris-New York flight emits about 1 ton of CO2
The aviation sector accounts for about 2% of global emissions and is one of the fastest-growing polluters. Even short-haul flights produce large amounts of CO2. A return trip from London to Rome, for example, carries a carbon footprint of 234kg of CO2 per passenger, more than the average produced by citizens of 17 countries annually.
A long-haul flight can generate more carbon emissions than the average person in dozens of countries produces in a whole year. A return flight from London to New York generates about 986kg of CO2 per passenger. There are 56 countries where the average person emits less carbon dioxide in a whole year.
Calculating the efficiency of an average aircraft, such as a Boeing, can be done by dividing the stated maximum fuel capacity in gallons by the stated maximum range in statute miles (miles driven by car). Boeing's reported maximum range includes takeoff, flight, and landing, so this is a simpler approach than a multivariate equation.
The UK Government calculator (Act on CO2) does not include a Radiative Forcing factor, while the Government uses a factor of 2 when 'offsetting' official flights. Emissions calculated according to great-circle distances and emission factors per km need to be adjusted by an additional 9% to account for delays and indirect flight paths.
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The UK government multiplies aviation CO2 emissions by a factor of 2
The UK government's Act on CO2 calculator does not include a Radiative Forcing factor, while the government uses a factor of 2 when 'offsetting' ministerial and official flights. The practical consequences of this decision are considered minor in terms of informing people on reducing their carbon footprint. The easiest way for most people who fly to reduce their carbon footprint is to cut back on flying, regardless of the size of the factor used.
Calculating the carbon emissions of a flight depends on various factors, such as the type of aircraft, fuel consumption, distance travelled, and the number of passengers on board. For example, a Boeing 737-400 jet typically used for short international flights over a distance of 926 km is estimated to use 3.61 tonnes of fuel. With an average seat occupancy of 65%, this results in fuel use of 36.6 grams per passenger per kilometre. Taking into account that aviation fuel produces 3.15 grams of CO2 per gram of fuel, this specific aircraft emits approximately 115 grams of CO2 per passenger per kilometre.
The aviation sector currently accounts for about 2% of global emissions and is one of the fastest-growing polluters. Even short-haul flights produce significant amounts of CO2. For instance, a return flight from London to Edinburgh emits more CO2 than the average annual emissions of a person in Uganda or Somalia. Furthermore, a return flight from London to New York generates about 986 kilograms of CO2 per passenger, which is more than the average annual emissions of people in 56 countries.
To address the environmental impact of aviation, the UK has committed to the Paris Agreement of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which includes setting and meeting national emissions targets to limit global temperature increases to below 1.5 degrees Celsius. The UK has also introduced measures such as the rollout of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), aviation system efficiencies, promotion of zero-emission flight technology, and the use of carbon markets and offsets. However, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) projects that aviation's proportion of UK greenhouse gas emissions will increase from 7% in 2022 to 16% in 2035, highlighting the need for further action.
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Frequently asked questions
A flight generates a large amount of carbon emissions, with the total amount depending on the length of the journey and the type of plane. For example, a short-haul flight from London to Edinburgh emits more CO2 than the average annual emissions of a person in Uganda or Somalia. A Paris-New York flight emits about 1 ton of CO2, which is almost a person's entire annual carbon budget.
The amount of pollution produced by a flight depends on various factors, including the distance travelled, the type of aircraft, the number of passengers, and the efficiency of the plane.
A plane burns more fuel and produces more carbon dioxide than a car per journey. However, when comparing the emissions per passenger, a plane can have a lower CO2 footprint than a car, especially for long-distance travel with fewer passengers in the car.
The aviation sector accounts for about 2% of global emissions and is one of the fastest-growing polluters. In 2019, there were about 100,000 flights departing from airports daily worldwide, and the demand for air travel is expected to continue increasing.
To reduce aviation pollution, individuals can reduce unnecessary travel and choose virtual meetings or holidays closer to home. Governments and industries can implement regulations and incentives for more efficient planes, cleaner exhaust systems, and the use of sustainable fuels.
