MAINE PUBLIC • May 10, 2023
Scientists say the carbon emissions from driving long distances are often comparable to those produced from some flights. But they say air travel is the single activity that produces the most carbon emissions per person at any one time. Air travel accounts for nearly 4% of the world's carbon emissions, and frequent fliers, who comprise only 1% of the world population, are responsible for half of those emissions. The aviation industry says it's taking steps to make air travel more climate-friendly such as developing sustainable jet fuels and other technology intended to make flying more efficient. But widespread adoption will take a long time and relatively few air passengers, about 1-to-3%, chose to purchase carbon offsets for their flights.