One of the hottest debates right now is the environment - and in particular the debate about air travel. The new word 'air shame' seems to be becoming more and more common.
Today, the average Swede flies once a year, a doubling since the 1990s. The increase since 1990 means that the climate impact increased by 43% between 1990 and 2017, from 7 million tons to 10 million tons of carbon dioxide. I thought I'd list short (but important) facts about air travel, to raise awareness and how we can think about it.
-The total climate impact of the Swedish population from aviation accounts for as much emissions as all car driving in Sweden.
During longer flights, the climate impact and emissions are higher, as the aircraft rises higher, the so-called high-altitude effect.
-Burning at high altitude is estimated to double the climate impact compared to burning at ground level or shorter journeys.
-In 2018, an air passenger tax was introduced in Sweden.
-On average, Swedes fly more than five times as much as the global average.
-If the number of trips abroad continues to increase at the same rate, it may be difficult to meet the generational goal in Sweden. The goal says that we should not cause environmental and health problems outside Sweden's borders.
-A family of 4 traveling to Thailand emits 11.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide, and to meet the SDGs, emissions should be reduced to 2 tonnes per person per year.
What does your travel look like? Is there anything you will change in 2019 and beyond?
All facts come from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency ( https://www.naturvardsverket.se/Sa-mar-miljon/Klimat-och-luft/Klimat/Tre-satt-att-berakna-klimatpaverkande-utslapp/Flygets-klimatpaverkan/# ).
