Bronte Wells
Aviation is one of the most carbon-intensive activities, contributing 2.4% to 2.5% of global CO2 emissions. However, this figure does not account for the non-CO2 effects of air travel, such as the warming induced by aircraft contrails and the emission of nitrogen oxides, water vapour, soot, sulfur aerosols, and water contrails. Private jets, in particular, have come under scrutiny due to their dramatically higher carbon footprint per passenger compared to commercial flights. While aviation has become more energy-efficient, the carbon intensity of jet fuel has remained unchanged, and the sector has made little progress in transitioning to low-carbon fuels. As a result, aviation's share of global emissions is expected to increase, with some studies predicting a doubling or tripling of emissions by 2050.
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What You'll Learn
Private jets emit two tonnes of CO2 per hour
The high emissions of private jets are due in part to the type of fuel used and the small number of passengers on board. Private jets burn around 5,000 gallons of fuel per hour, which is equivalent to about 400 passenger cars. When considering that most private jets fly with only a few passengers, it is clear how they can have such a large carbon footprint. The size of the jet, the number of passengers, and the distance flown all contribute to a private jet's carbon footprint.
The impact of private jet emissions on the environment is significant. Aviation is one of the most carbon-intensive activities, contributing around 2.5% of global CO2 emissions. While this percentage may seem small, it is important to note that just a small number of individuals are responsible for the majority of these emissions. Private jet use by the super-rich has come under scrutiny, as it contributes disproportionately to climate change.
Some countries have taken steps to reduce private jet use, such as France, which banned short-haul flights with rail alternatives in 2023. Spain is also considering a similar ban. There have also been calls for a ticket and fuel tax to be imposed on fossil-fuel private jets to account for their climate impact. While some companies are working on developing zero-emission private jets, the aviation sector has made almost no progress in switching to low-carbon fuels.
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Aviation accounts for 2-2.5% of global CO2 emissions
Aviation is a highly polluting mode of transport, and it accounts for 2-2.5% of global CO2 emissions. While this figure may seem low, it is important to note that aviation is one of the most carbon-intensive activities. The reason for the discrepancy between the high level of pollution and the seemingly low percentage of global emissions is that almost everyone in the world does not fly. Studies estimate that only 10% of the world's population flies in most years. However, as incomes rise, this will change, and the number of people flying is expected to increase.
The carbon intensity of jet fuel has not changed since 1990. While flying has become more than twice as energy-efficient, and the carbon emitted per unit of energy has decreased, the carbon efficiency of travelling by plane has also more than doubled. In 1990, one passenger-kilometre would emit 357 grams of CO2. By 2019, this had decreased to 157 grams. The gains in efficiency have partly counteracted the emissions from increased demand.
The aviation industry's emissions are growing faster than those of any other transport sector. Between 1990 and 2019, aviation emissions more than doubled, increasing from 1.5% of all European emissions in 1990 to 4.7% in 2019. The sector is expected to fully recover from the Covid-19 pandemic as early as 2024, and if left unmitigated, aviation emissions could more than double again by 2050. This would mean that the sector would consume more than 10% of the remaining carbon budget to stay below 1.5 degrees Celsius of warming.
To reduce aviation emissions, innovation in technology and fuel is needed, as well as improvements in aircraft and engines. Additionally, demand restraint solutions are necessary to curb the growth of emissions and reduce them in the long term. Sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) are one possible solution, but they currently make up only a small fraction of the jet fuel market. Policy and fiscal support are required to stimulate investment in SAFs and accelerate the development of alternatives to jet kerosene-powered aircraft, such as electric or hydrogen-powered planes.
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The super-rich 1% are responsible for half of aviation emissions
Aviation accounts for around 2.5% of global carbon dioxide emissions, with planes emitting CO2 from burning fuel and affecting the concentration of other atmospheric gases and pollutants. While the carbon intensity of jet fuel has not changed since 1990, efficiency improvements have led to a halving of carbon emissions per passenger-kilometer by 2019. However, the gains in efficiency have been counteracted by increased demand, resulting in a net increase in emissions.
The super-rich 1% are responsible for a significant portion of aviation emissions, with their private jet usage facing scrutiny due to its high carbon footprint per passenger compared to commercial alternatives. A 2021 report from the European Federation for Transport and Environment found that private jets emit up to 14 times more pollution per passenger than commercial flights and 50 times more than trains. Some private jets emit two tonnes of CO2 per hour, far exceeding the average annual output per person in advanced economies. Celebrities and politicians have come under fire for their frequent use of private jets, with Kylie Jenner facing criticism for a 17-minute flight and Taylor Swift's private jet usage estimated to have created over 8,000 tonnes of carbon emissions in 2022.
The inequality in aviation emissions has led to growing public pressure and lobbying efforts by organizations like Greenpeace to ban private jet use. France banned short-haul flights with rail alternatives in May 2023, and Spain is considering a similar move in 2024, citing the need to curb the private jet use of the super-rich in the face of climate change. While some argue for a ban, others propose reducing corporate travel, transitioning to low-emission sustainable aviation fuels, and implementing higher taxes on frequent fliers to address the disproportionate impact of the super-rich on aviation emissions.
The aviation sector's slow progress in transitioning to low-carbon fuels means it will continue to contribute an ever-increasing share of global emissions. To curb this trend, the industry must move towards electrification, biofuels, hydrogen, or a combination of these alternatives. While major airlines have announced climate plans, including a US goal of a 20% cut in aviation emissions by 2030, the sector's commitment to decarbonization remains questionable.
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Jet fuel hasn't changed since 1990 and remains unclean
The lack of progress in transitioning to cleaner jet fuels is concerning, especially considering the growing global demand for air travel. As incomes rise, more people will be able to afford to fly, leading to an increase in aviation emissions. According to a study by David Lee et al. in 2020, the overall effect of aviation on global warming, including the impact on various atmospheric gases and pollutants, results in a warming effect.
While biofuels and other alternatives are available, they only represent a tiny fraction of global demand. The aviation industry's resistance to change and slow adoption of sustainable practices contribute to its stagnant carbon intensity levels. This inertia has significant consequences for the environment, as the sector's emissions are already soaring at an alarming rate.
To address this issue, the European Union has introduced regulations such as ReFuelEU Aviation, which aims to increase the demand and supply of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). These regulations are part of the EU's commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. However, despite these efforts, the aviation industry still has a long way to go in reducing its carbon footprint and transitioning to cleaner jet fuels.
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Aviation emissions have doubled between 1990 and 2019
Aviation emissions have more than doubled between 1990 and 2019. In 1990, global aviation emitted around 0.5 billion tonnes of CO2. By 2019, aviation emissions accounted for 4.7% of all European emissions, up from 1.5% in 1990. This increase is due to a quadrupling of air travel for both passengers and freight, despite aircraft becoming twice as energy efficient.
The carbon intensity of jet fuel has not changed since 1990. Biofuels and other alternatives are only a tiny fraction of global demand. If demand quadruples but aviation becomes twice as efficient, emissions will double. The gains in efficiency have only partially counteracted the emissions from increased demand.
The aviation industry has made almost no progress in switching to low-carbon fuels. While more efficient planes can reduce emissions growth, they cannot eliminate it. To achieve zero emissions, the industry must transition from jet fuel to electrification, biofuels, hydrogen, or a combination of these. Until this switch happens, aviation will continue to make up an increasing share of global emissions.
Air travel accounts for 2% of global CO2 emissions. However, its overall contribution to climate change is higher when considering other emitted gases and pollutants. Planes generate a short-term increase but a long-term decrease in ozone and methane, and increased emissions of water vapour, soot, sulfur aerosols, and water contrails. The altitude at which these gases are emitted also impacts the greenhouse effect, which is stronger at higher altitudes.
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Frequently asked questions
Jet-A, the fuel used in jet airliners, contributes to pollution by releasing various gases and particulates when burned. These emissions include carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapour, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and atmospheric particulates like incompletely burned hydrocarbons, soot, and sulfur oxides.
The primary greenhouse gas emitted by jet airliners is carbon dioxide (CO2).
The altitude at which gases are emitted impacts pollution due to the greenhouse effect being stronger at higher altitudes.
Aviation, including jet airliners, accounts for around 2-4% of global CO2 emissions. While this may seem relatively small, it's important to consider the inequity of emissions, with the super-rich contributing disproportionately to aviation emissions.
Several countries are taking steps to reduce short-haul flights, with France banning short-haul flights with rail alternatives, and Spain considering similar legislation. Additionally, there is a push for the inclusion of aviation emissions in countries' climate pledges under the Paris Agreement, and the adoption of global measures through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
