US domestic travelers could choose low-emission flights – if data was available

Commercial flying is a real carbon bomb as emissions from commercial aviation are growing rapidly and are on track to triple by 2050, when they could make up about a quarter of the global carbon budget. But now a new study shows how people could reduce their emissions while still flying on airplanes, if they were able to choose the most carbon-friendly routes. The research paper looked at potential ways to reduce the burden of flying. Researchers at the International Council on Clean Transportation analyzed the carbon footprints of the 20 most popular US domestic plane routes in 2019. It finds that on average, the least-emitting itinerary on a route can emit 63% less carbon dioxide than the most-emitting option, and 22% less than the route average. “The wide emissions gaps point to potentially significant climate benefits in encouraging consumers to choose the lowest-emitting flights,” the authors write. The problem is that it’s not always easy to identify which routes create the fewest emissions. In general, flying direct and on newer aircraft can help a consumer choose less-emitting flights, but not always, the researchers say. Other variables, including load factor and seating configuration, also affect the carbon intensity of a trip. Single-aisle, mainline aircraft or turboprops generally have lower emissions than regional jets, although relative airline fuel efficiency performance varies across routes.<br/>