With the summer travel season in full effect in the northern hemisphere and gasoline prices on the rise again, the debate between traveling by air and traveling by car is timely.
Which pollutes more, driving or flying?
Generally, if a modern automobile is utilized, driving pollutes less. Of course, when car pooling is involved, the car always is the cleaner choice. However, for summer vacation, two key commodities may be limited, time and money. Depending upon your preferred destination, driving may not be an option. What’s more, because of the struggling global economy, many airlines are offering compelling promotional fares. In some cases, flying could cost LESS than driving.
Hence, if you find that you will travel by air this summer, how can you reduce your carbon footprint? Well, I have posted several threads here on the importance of carbon offsets. My post regarding the inclusion of radiative forcing remains my favorite. However, since it is the airlines who choose the aircraft, is it possible for passengers to impact the fuel efficiency of the flight they choose?
The impressive airline carbon emissions calculator from travel infrastructure provider TRX, Inc. shows us that the answer is yes.
By determining the age and class of aircraft flown on popular routes between competing airlines, this wonderful tool from TRX allows for a convenient assessment in advance of purchasing a ticket. Passengers generally cannot choose their aircraft but most of the time they can choose their airline.
So, if your summer travel plans include air travel, consider determining the cleanest airline and route for your trip. The airline carbon emissions calculator from TRX makes it easy.
You will find the tool online at
carbon.trx.com
Fomenting the Triple Bottom Line
Corbett Kroehler
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