Greta Jimenez
Air travel is a significant contributor to global climate change and air pollution. The burning of jet fuel releases CO2 and non-CO2 emissions, including nitrogen oxides, soot, water vapour, and sulfate aerosols. These emissions have a more substantial warming effect when released at high altitudes. The aviation industry produced 2.4% of total CO2 emissions in 2018, and when considering non-CO2 effects, its contribution to global warming rises to approximately 3.5%. The number of passengers travelling by air has increased significantly, from 100 million in 1960 to 4.56 billion in 2019, resulting in a rapid increase in emissions. While more efficient planes and the use of clean fuels can help mitigate emissions growth, the most effective solution is to reduce air travel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of global CO2 emissions from aviation | 2.4% to 2.5% |
| Comparison to other countries in 2019 | Ranked 6th, between Japan and Germany |
| CO2 emissions per passenger per hour | 90-92 kg CO2 |
| CO2 emissions from aviation fuel | 3.15 grams per gram of fuel |
| CO2 emissions from a London-San Francisco return flight | 5.5 tonnes of CO2 per person |
| CO2 emissions from a London-Berlin return flight | 0.6 tonnes of CO2 per person |
| CO2 emissions from UK flights in 2006 | 80 million tonnes of CO2 |
| US per capita jet fuel consumption | 6 times the world average, 37.5 times that of India |
| Global aviation emissions in 1990 | 1.5% of all European emissions |
| Global aviation emissions in 2019 | 4.7% of all European emissions |
| Annual premature deaths due to air pollution from planes | 16,000 |
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What You'll Learn
- A return flight from London to San Francisco emits 5.5 tonnes of CO2e per person
- First class emits four times more than economy
- Passenger air travel was the highest and fastest growth of individual emissions before the pandemic
- Planes affect the concentration of atmospheric gases and pollutants
- Airports can generate water pollution due to jet fuel, lubricants, and de-icing chemicals
A return flight from London to San Francisco emits 5.5 tonnes of CO2e per person
Aviation contributes about 2% of the world's global carbon emissions, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). However, as other sectors of the economy become greener, aviation's proportion of total emissions is set to rise.
A return flight from London to San Francisco emits around 5.5 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) per person. This is more than twice the emissions produced by a family car in a year and about half of the average carbon footprint of someone living in Britain. Even a return flight from London to Berlin emits around 0.6 tonnes of CO2e, which is three times the emissions saved from a year of recycling.
Emissions from planes are rising rapidly. They increased by 32% between 2013 and 2018, and passenger numbers are projected to double in the next 20 years. While improving fuel efficiency is gradually reducing emissions per passenger, it is not keeping up with the rapid increase in total passenger numbers.
The carbon intensity of that fuel—how much CO2 is emitted per unit—has not changed. However, efficiency has improved through better design and technology, larger planes that carry more passengers, and a higher 'passenger load factor', meaning empty seats are less common than in the past.
To reduce their carbon footprint, people can opt for alternative ways of travelling, such as taking the train or driving with another person. It is also better to book an economy ticket rather than business or first class, as a first-class ticket on a long-haul flight emits, on average, four times as much as an economy seat on the same plane. Businesses can also play a part by reducing the requirements on their staff to fly, instead prioritising the use of conference or video calls.
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First class emits four times more than economy
Flying first class emits four times more than flying economy. This is due to several factors. Firstly, premium class seats take up more space than economy class seats. This means there are fewer seats in the premium sections, which leads to lower occupancy rates and more empty seats. As a result, the carbon footprint per traveller is higher for first-class passengers than for economy passengers.
Secondly, first-class seats are heavier than economy-class seats. The weight of an aircraft directly impacts its emissions output. A heavier plane emits more GHG emissions, requiring more fuel to fly the same distance as a lighter plane, resulting in increased fuel burn and higher emissions. Additionally, first-class passengers tend to have higher baggage allowances, further contributing to the overall weight of the aircraft and, consequently, its emissions.
The extra amenities provided in first class, such as gourmet meals, entertainment systems, and luxurious seating, also contribute to the weight of the aircraft and increase fuel consumption. Moreover, the operation of first-class airport lounges and spas generates additional emissions that are not present in economy class travel.
The choice between flying economy or first class has a significant impact on carbon emissions. For example, a company that switches 50 return trips from business class to economy class on the London to New York route can save 212 tCO2e in emissions annually. Similarly, Prince Harry and Meghan's return flight to Nice emitted four times more CO2 per person than an equivalent economy flight.
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Passenger air travel was the highest and fastest growth of individual emissions before the pandemic
Aviation is a significant contributor to global climate change and air pollution. The burning of jet fuel releases CO2 and non-CO2 emissions, including nitrogen oxides, soot, water vapour, and sulfate aerosols. These emissions interact with the atmosphere, with warming and cooling effects; however, the overall warming impact is stronger.
Passenger air travel was the highest and fastest-growing source of individual emissions before the pandemic. While aviation produced 2.4% of total CO2 emissions in 2018, equivalent to 3.5% of effective radiative forcing, the impact is more significant when considering that only a small percentage of the world's population flies frequently.
The number of passengers travelling by air has increased significantly over the years, with 100 million passengers in 1960 to 4.56 billion in 2019. This increase in passenger numbers has led to a rapid rise in emissions, with a 32% increase between 2013 and 2018. The emissions per passenger have decreased due to improved fuel efficiency, larger planes, and higher passenger load factors. However, the increase in passenger numbers outweighs these improvements.
To reduce emissions, individuals can choose to fly less or opt for more fuel-efficient airlines and aircraft. Additionally, the aviation industry can adopt cleaner fuels, improve aircraft technology, and reduce corporate travel. These collective efforts are crucial in mitigating the impact of aviation on climate change and air pollution.
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Planes affect the concentration of atmospheric gases and pollutants
In addition to CO2 emissions, planes affect the concentration of other atmospheric gases and pollutants. They cause a short-term increase but a long-term decrease in ozone and methane. Ozone is a key component of smog and is formed by complex chemical reactions between nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds like gasoline vapours. Smog also contains particulate carbon (soot) and is harmful to human and animal lungs. Planes also increase emissions of water vapour, soot, sulfur aerosols, and water contrails. Water vapour is a natural component of the atmosphere, but its concentration varies and it plays a role in atmospheric heating and the formation of weather phenomena.
The impact of air travel on the environment has led to the development of indices that allow people to choose airlines and routes that produce fewer CO2 emissions. For example, German non-profit Atmosfair has an index that ranks airlines based on their CO2 emissions for specific routes. Additionally, booking an economy ticket instead of business or first class can reduce one's carbon footprint, as a first-class ticket on a long-haul flight emits four times as much as an economy seat.
While commercial aviation produces a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions, it is important to note that other sectors, such as road transportation, electricity production, and agriculture, currently have a larger impact on climate change. However, before the pandemic, passenger air travel was producing the highest and fastest growth of individual emissions. Therefore, it is crucial for the aviation industry to continue improving energy efficiency and transitioning to low-carbon fuels to mitigate its contribution to climate change.
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Airports can generate water pollution due to jet fuel, lubricants, and de-icing chemicals
Aviation activities have a significant impact on the environment, and aircraft are a major source of pollution. Airports, in particular, can generate water pollution due to their extensive use and handling of jet fuel, lubricants, and other chemicals.
Jet engines emit volatile organic compounds and particulate matter, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metals. These emissions are similar to diesel exhaust, which is classified as carcinogenic and has been linked to adverse health effects, including cancer. The particulate matter emitted by jet engines contains nano-sized particles that can easily reach the lower airways upon inhalation, posing risks to both airport personnel and residents living nearby.
Jet fuel, in particular, contributes to water pollution at airports. Chemical spills of jet fuel can contaminate nearby water bodies if not properly contained. Additionally, lubricants used in aircraft engines have been identified as a major component of aircraft exhaust nanoparticles, which can also contribute to water pollution. Organophosphate esters (OPEs), used as stabilizing agents in aircraft lubricating oil and hydraulic fluids, have toxic properties.
De-icing fluids used in cold weather at airports also contribute to water pollution. Most of these fluids fall to the ground, and surface runoff carries them to nearby streams, rivers, or coastal waters. De-icing fluids are typically made of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, which exert high levels of biochemical oxygen demand during degradation in surface waters. This process consumes the oxygen needed by aquatic life, negatively impacting ecosystems. Airports also use pavement deicers on runways and taxiways, which may contain chemicals such as potassium acetate, glycol compounds, sodium acetate, or urea, further contributing to water pollution.
While the aviation industry has made advancements in reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency, more efforts are needed to transition to low-carbon fuels. Aircraft contribute significantly to global CO2 emissions, and their impact on water pollution through the use of jet fuel, lubricants, and de-icing chemicals cannot be overlooked.
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Frequently asked questions
A return flight from London to San Francisco emits around 5.5 tonnes of CO2 per person.
Planes burn fossil fuels, releasing CO2 and non-CO2 emissions, including nitrogen oxides, soot, water vapour, and sulfate aerosols. These emissions interact with the atmosphere and have varying effects on the climate.
Generally, trains and coaches are the lowest carbon means of travel, followed by cars. However, the margin between emissions from different modes of transport depends on factors such as the number of passengers and the type of engine or fuel used.
Aviation emissions have been increasing rapidly. Between 1990 and 2019, emissions more than doubled, and they are projected to continue rising. However, the carbon efficiency of travelling one kilometre has also improved due to larger planes, higher passenger load factors, and improved design and technology.
To reduce aviation pollution, individuals, companies, and governments can reduce air travel and opt for alternative modes of transport when possible. Additionally, the aviation industry can transition to low-carbon fuels, such as biofuels, hydrogen, or electrification, and improve aircraft energy efficiency.
