The Plane Truth

In 2018, before the Covid19 pandemic, air passenger and freight (but not military activity) were estimated to generate 1.04 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide. Emissions would have decreased over the pandemic (the decline would have been more marked without 'ghost flights'). Flights are now markedly increasing and will exceed the 2018 frequencies. Globally, for example, it is likely that 38,000 large jets will be flying regularily (say one long-haul flight per week for 50 weeks of the year?). This is going to inject enormous amounts of 'greenhouse gases' high into the atmosphere. In contrast to cars, there is no duty payable on non-renewable aviation fuel. There are also no additional taxes on frequent fliers (they are often actually rewarded for their behaviour). Countries with large fleets of jets (notably the USA, China and the UK) don't even count the emissions of their aircraft, towards their national carbon footprints. Things really have to change if we are to get anywhere near carbon zero in the foreseeable future. There is, however, absolutely no sign of that happening. Out of flight, out of mind?