After my recent trip to England, I committed to researching carbon offsets to mitigate the environmental impact of flying. Today’s post looks at the flight shaming movement, and how aviation emissions compare to other forms of transportation. Plus, an overview of how carbon offset programs work, and how you can reduce the impact of your travels.

Flight shaming isn’t the answer

The flight shaming movement puts a lot of focus on individuals who chose to travel—vilifying them for the impact of their personal choices on the climate crisis. But laying the blame at the feet of individuals, when our governments have done little to incentivize reasonable alternatives to air travel feels a little simplistic, not to mention unfair.

I’ll be honest—I’ve flown a lot in 2023. Most of my flights have been work related, but I have taken two personal trips. One of those trips was to England to visit my sister, who I hadn’t seen in nine years. The other was to British Columbia to visit my daughter who moved there this summer.

In Visiting faraway loved ones, I shared the guilt I feel every time I board a plane, and how having faraway relatives makes it difficult to give up flying.

As someone who cares about our planet, I know flying contributes to climate change. But how does it compare to other things we do every day?

A closer look at transportation emissions

Despite its bad reputation, aviation is responsible for just 2.5% of global emissions—with 81% of that related to passenger air travel. If we look at how aviation compares to other transportation options, the numbers are interesting.

All forms of transportation combined add up to 21% of global CO₂ emissions. Road transportation alone is responsible for 15% of global emissions, with passenger vehicles accounting for 60% of that 15%. (Source: Our World In Data).

So, in the grand scheme of global carbon emissions, the impact of road transportation is much higher than flying, with passenger vehicle travel contributing almost five times as much as passenger air travel.

On an individual level, however, it’s hard to deny the impact of flying. Consider for a moment that 80% of the world’s population have never been on a plane, and that 1% of the population account for 50% of air travel. (Source: Carbon Offset Guide) It’s clear that flying is a luxury, and one that we all need to be thoughtful about.

My personal impact

I used the International Air Travel Association (IATA) calculator to determine the impact of my recent trips. My trip from Toronto to London Heathrow airport was responsible for 744 kg of CO₂ emissions, and a return trip from Kitchener to Kamloops via Calgary generated 490 kg of CO₂ emissions.

To put that into perspective, my total footprint according to Climate Hero‘s carbon footprint calculator is 8.6 tons, making me a “Climate Consumer”, despite my best efforts to be a good steward of the Earth. An annual footprint of 8.6 tons puts me below the Western world’s average of 10 tons, but above the global average of 5 tons. The 1,234 kg of emissions related to my flights equates to 1.4 tons, or 16% of my overall footprint.

What is the aviation industry doing to reduce emissions?

The IATA website reveals that the airline industry has a goal of achieving net zero by 2050. They expect to achieve this through usage of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (65%), investment in new aircraft technology (13%), improvements in air traffic management (3%), and carbon offsets (19%)

Considering airlines currently rely on offsets for almost all their emissions reduction, the airline industry has a long way to go to get to 19%.

As we wait for the industry to do their part, carbon offsets are a potential solution for consumers who wish to continue flying.

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How do offsets work?

In short, carbon offsets are a way to compensate for the environmental impact of a flight by paying a surcharge to invest in carbon reduction projects.

Carbon Offset Guide indicates that, for offsets to work, “the world must be at least as well off when you use a carbon offset credit as it would have been if you had reduced your own carbon footprint.” The site suggests that quality offset credits must be associated with greenhouse gas reductions or removals that are:

• Additional, meaning the project would not happen in the absence of a market for offset credits.
• Not overestimated.
• Permanent.
• Not claimed by another entity.
• Not associated with significant social or environmental harms.

So, it seems all carbon offsets are not created equal. As a consumer it pays to do your homework to ensure the offsets are verified and certified to meet quality assurance standards.

I did some research on Canadian offset programs and decided to offset my two trips in 2023 through Carbon Zero. Carbon Zero offers high quality, third-party verified offsets. I especially liked that they let me buy credits to specific projects. I chose Niagara Escarpment Forest Carbon Project, primarily because it’s close to home.

This project promotes and maintains forest cover, as well as ecosystem function, in areas where local activities (e.g. logging, mineral extraction, severances, etc.) increase pressures on land and wildlife.

Carbon Zero

The total cost to offset my two personal trips in 2023 was $78.00, a small price to pay for the privilege of flying.

We need to invest in better transportation options

As a resident of North America, the lack of investment in alternatives to flying is frustrating. Solutions exist that could significantly reduce the time it takes to cross Canada or the United States by train. This would make train travel more attractive, yet our governments continue to invest in airports and roads.

I often travel to Toronto by train, despite the slow and infrequent service, because I find it to be a much more relaxing way to travel than driving my own car. I would gladly travel more by train if it were a viable option. My recent trip to England gave me train envy when I experienced their efficient, high speed rail service.

Ultimately, in the absence of better transportation solutions, the best solution is to not fly or at least reduce the number of flights. If you do fly, you can reduce your impact by taking nonstop flights where possible, flying economy, taking daytime flights, and flying with less luggage. It all adds up. (Read Travel packing tips to make long and short trips easier for ideas on how to travel light.)

After doing my homework, I reached the conclusion that carbon offsets aren’t perfect. But if the lack of alternatives and the need to connect with faraway relatives means flying is your only option, they are a solution to consider.

Have you ever purchased carbon offsets for air travel? Tell me your thoughts below.