Flying: the facts

Carbon emissions from air travel are sky-rocketing! Flying is already a major contributor to global CO₂ emissions - and it's on the rise. At current levels, planes cause at least six per cent of the UK's total carbon dioxide emissions¹. But the Department for Transport estimates that this could rise to a third of all emissions by 2050, if the demand for air travel continues at present rates and we continue to make energy savings in other areas.

As well as an increase in the amount people fly, there has also been a rise in the proportion of long-haul flights, which create significantly more CO₂. A return long-haul flight to Thailand releases over two tonnes of CO₂ per passenger - which is more than most non-flyers' carbon footprint for a whole year.

The bigger picture

It's not just emissions that are the problem. The overall climate change impact of flying is nearly double the impact of its CO₂ emissions alone, because of vapour trails and other gases emitted by planes.

Work or play?

Though some people have to fly on business - although we'd like them to consider greater use of video conferencing and other technological ways around making the trip - most air travel from the UK is for leisure. That means that we generally do have a choice about when and where we fly. In an average year, half of the UK population doesn't fly at all. But others think nothing of jumping on a plane for a quick break. In fact, just four per cent of the population accounts for 30 per cent of UK leisure flights². So a small number of people make a big impact. By changing the travel habits of this fairly small number, much CO₂ could be saved.

Find out what you can do to help - even if you have to fly - or discover some alternative holidays where you don't need to fly.

1. Department for Transport
2. Defra