FLYING IN 2023

Holly discusses how life has changed since the pandemicspecifically with air-travel returning to 75% of pre-pandemic levels - and evaluates whether there are eco-friendly alternatives to flying.

During the pandemic, runways were virtually off-limits. Long stretches of tarmac and vast airports normally bustling with planes and excited passengers were silent. This lasted for almost two years. Since life returned to near-normality, the number of aeroplanes in our skies has increased to around 75% of pre-pandemic levels (as of November 2022), which is no doubt going to rise into 2023. However, is this a blessing or a curse?

For some, planes are a luxury; they cruise through the air and land on the other side of the world in a matter of hours, helping enthusiastic travellers to explore new countries and check dream destinations off a checklist. For others, planes are a necessity used to commute for work. Does there come a point, though, where we have to question the true impact of our choice of travel? As a student who is preparing for my year abroad, I will have to consider this myself.

We are all aware that flying produces Carbon dioxide (CO2). However, do we truly acknowledge the sheer levels of CO2 produced, and how damaging it is to our environment?

According to the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), global CO2 emissions from commercial air travel were 707 million tonnes in 2013; this rose to 902 million tonnes by 2019. This is without even taking into account non-commercial aviation, such as freight travel. There are also other harmful substances released, including sulphates and nitrous gases.

Of course, air travel has its benefits, such as creating thousands of jobs, which were desperately needed post pandemic. Aeroplanes can take you to places further than other modes of transport can and can get you there faster. They have the ability to connect friends and families over thousands of miles of distance. With this in mind, do more eco-friendly options come close to aeroplanes?

Coaches, sleeper trains and interrailing are all alternative methods of travel which are increasing in popularity. Europe is particularly wellknown for being a continent easily travelled by train, used by young and old travellers alike to discover the continent without a massive environmental burden. Land-based travel options may take longer, yet they give the passenger the chance to see a country in detail, are cheaper, and have far less of an impact on global warming. Biofuels are also being considered more for aeroplane fuel however whilst on the surface this may seem satisfactory, it can be costly both financially and environmentally.

Surely we can compromise somewhere? The answer, unfortunately, is not that simple. As mentioned, flying is a necessity for some: could we perhaps think about how to modify it instead? For example, Dan Rutherford, shipping and aviation director of the ICCT, suggests we reduce plane luggage, as this severely impacts the amount of fuel needed. That, along with combining alternative methods of transport where possible - such as rail travel - will help us all personally reduce our own carbon footprint. Searching for these alternative routes could not only save money, but also save the planet.

So, the next time you’re planning a journey to somewhere new, consider the alternatives. Even if you do end up choosing plane travel, searching for ways to save carbon emissions in other parts of your life is a step towards improving our environment. There are reams of content online aimed at helping people make environmentally friendly changes and I would strongly suggest investigating what you can do to help.

Holly Philpott