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What Feels Off in Carbon Offsetting? Nowadays, flying is one of the most used ways of travelling. However, it might not be the most sustainable way of travelling. Tom shares why this is the case and talks about more sustainable alternatives. Text: Tom de Rijk, member of Intermate
Somewhere between Madrid and Hampton (Virginia), Greta Thunberg was making a statement among the waves. Among the waves, instead of in the air. By sailing to the UN Climate Conference as opposed to flying, Thunberg remains faithful to her vow to avoid carbon emissions through flying during her commitment to tackle the climate crisis. To follow up, pollution due to traveling by means of burning fossil fuels will be at the center of this article – with flying in particular. To what extent is traveling by plane better or worse than traveling by other means, and what about the in popularity increasing "compensation projects”? First, some numbers: a domestic, short distance flight is worth 133 grams in CO2 emissions per passenger per kilometer, sometimes varying up to 254 grams when
seen as one of the worst ways to travel long distances emission-wise. In a societal context, alternative travel methods, carbon compensation and -ultimately- flight shaming have found established positions in the mobility discussion. In order for someone to travel by plane while remaining ecologically “at peace” with themselves, numerous initiatives are offering options to compensate the carbon emissions. These carbon compensation projects can vary from funding tree plantations, to buying so-called “carbon credits” on a larger scale. This wide array of options enables solo consumers and airline conductors to compensate alike, since increased carbon emission is a problem the concerns everybody. I would like to focus on the compensation options that are provided to us as solo
“... you buy yourself a clean conscience...” altitude and other greenhouse gasses are taken into account. In comparison, traveling by trains emits 41 grams per passenger per kilometer. In order to avoid measurements and opinions to be biased, one should take into account that usual travel ndistances and passenger occupancy vary notably between means of travel. It is therefore rather difficult to compare these traveling methods without any further situational context or constants. Because of that, traveling by plane is widely 12
consumers. The idea is to reduce your carbon footprint, or make it remain constant, while still taking the flight. The plane you are traveling with will not change a bit, but your monetary efforts will be put to good use somewhere else on the planet, in order to compensate for emissions of your flight. This would minimize any negative changes to your carbon footprint. This process of compensation is often referred to as Intermania
