Aviation’s Climate Impact

Swedes’ Air Travel

Since the early 1990s, Sweden has seen a significant increase in international flights. Just before the pandemic, emissions from Swedes’ air travel were as large as emissions from all personal car traffic in the country. After the pandemic, air travel has decreased by 20%, and we have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels – although flying is steadily increasing. A majority of these emissions stem from international flights- These are not included in Sweden’s climate goals, but to meet international climate targets, it is crucial that these emissions are reduced. If aviation were a country, it would be the seventh-largest source of carbon dioxide emissions in the world. The approximately 2% of global emissions that aviation accounts for also exclude the effects of high-altitude emissions (greenhouse gasses trap more heat when emitted at a high-altitude) vs at our level of the atmosphere. When these factors are considered, aviation’s total climate impact can more than double.

How is Aviation’s Climate Impact Calculated?

There are two main ways to report the climate impact of aviation: territorial and consumption-based emissions. Territorial emissions are calculated based on emissions within a geographical area, such as Sweden. This method is used to report emissions according to international guidelines and forms the basis of official statistics, which are reported by the Swedish Transport Agency and Statistics Sweden (SCB). These figures do not include the effects of aviation’s high-altitude emissions, such as water vapor and nitrogen oxides, which can double aviation’s climate impact. Consumption-based emissions, on the other hand, take into account the flights Swedes take both within and outside the country, including high-altitude effects. Chalmers University of Technology has developed a method that uses a multiplication factor to include these effects, which provides a significantly higher estimate of the total climate impact of Swedes’ air travel. This perspective is more uncertain as it relies on models and assumptions, but it gives a broader picture of Swedes’ global climate impact.

What about Sustainable Aviation Fuel (Biofuel) as a solution?

Biofuel is a type of fuel derived from organic materials, such as plants or animal waste, that can be used as an alternative to fossil fuels. It is renewable and can be produced from a variety of biomass sources, including crops like corn, sugarcane, and soybeans, as well as waste materials like used cooking oil or agricultural residues. Biofuels are generally categorized into two main types: First-generation biofuels: These are produced from food crops, such as ethanol from corn or biodiesel from vegetable oils. Second-generation biofuels: These come from non-food sources, such as agricultural waste, wood chips, or grasses, which do not compete with food supply. The rise of biofuel is a step in the right direction, but as every climate solution should be seen through a climate justice lens, it is important to consider its complexity and to continue in the quest of improvement while engaging in lower emission practices. A recent Oxfam report, Biofuel Blunders, examines the complexities of the EU’s biofuel policy, emphasizing the unintended consequences and challenges associated with biofuels as a climate solution. Concerns have arisen regarding the impact of using food and feed crops for biofuel production, which currently account for 60% of all biofuels used in the EU’s transport sector. This approach may contribute to food insecurity by driving up demand and prices, increasing price volatility, and utilizing large areas of agricultural land. The report also points out that the initial EU regulations did not fully account for the emissions resulting from land-use changes, such as deforestation, to accommodate biofuel crops. Such land-use changes could cancel the intended emissions reductions from biofuels. There have also been social concerns linked to biofuel production, with reports of land disputes and labor rights violations affecting communities in regions such as Peru and Tanzania. In response, the EU and other countries are looking to transition from food-based biofuels to advanced and waste-based biofuels. While this shift is seen as a positive step, there are still potential implications for food security that need careful consideration. While biofuels offer some opportunities in the fight against climate change, it is essential to address the associated social and environmental impacts to ensure they are part of a truly sustainable solution. It is important to note that the best thing to do for the climate remains to travel smart and use flights only when strictly needed.

Reduce Your Climate Impact

An easy way to reduce your climate impact is to fly less as well as to avoid cruises, which, like aviation, often have large emissions. Choose trains when possible – most of Europe’s train traffic is electric, making it a far better option than transport powered by fossil fuels. If you need to buy or lease a car, consider choosing a fuel-efficient model, preferably an electric or biofuel-powered vehicle. By driving energy-efficiently and choosing eco-friendly fuels, you can also reduce the climate impact of car travel when necessary.