Will guilt-free long-haul flights ever be possible? Here’s what we know

Aviation faces a steep climb towards a greener future. Although it has, like many other industries, committed to slashing its planet-warming pollution by 2050, it is not on track to reach its target — mainly because there are no obvious ways to do so. Although the sector currently accounts for around 2.5% of global carbon emissions, its actual climate impact is actually higher, because of the emission of other greenhouse gases and the formation of heat-trapping condensation trails created by jet engines. Meanwhile, demand for air travel is projected to steadily rise, with the global fleet of commercial airplanes doubling in size by 2042 to keep up, according to Boeing. “By the most commonly used measure – carbon emissions – air travel’s problem is that it’s not only growing, but is also very difficult to decarbonize, so it’s anticipated to be responsible for an increasing share of the budget as other industries reduce their emissions faster,” says Gary Crichlow, head of commercial analysts at consultancy firm AviationValues. “The heart of the decarbonization problem is that we haven’t yet found a non-carbon energy source that can replicate the energy density of jet fuel at the scale, cost, safety and reliability that global aviation needs.” Medium- and long-haul flights are the greatest culprits, accounting for 73% of aviation’s carbon emissions. According to the Aviation Environment Federation, UK nonprofit group that monitors aviation’s environmental impact, a return flight from London to Bangkok can produce more emissions than you’d save by following a vegan diet for a year. As the climate crisis continues, concerns about long-haul flying are starting to influence travel choices, nudging many towards less damaging trips closer to home. But it’s natural to wonder when and if a “guilt-free” long-haul flight – one that is truly sustainable – will be available.<br/>