Australians love to fly. In 2016, we took more than 8 million overseas trips, flying over 150 billion kilometres. All that flying generated a lot of carbon dioxide and equivalent emissions (CO2e).
In Australia, international flights accounted for more than 1.1 tonnes of CO2e per person per year. That doesn't count domestic flights and multi-trip overseas destinations. It also assumes we're all flying economy. Business and first-class trips emit three or four times more, because each seat takes up more space, allowing fewer people to fit on the plane.
A return economy flight to Fiji generates 930 kilograms CO2e. A return flight to Washington, first class, generates 17 tonnes CO2e. Where and how you fly makes a huge difference to your carbon footprint, but it's easy to cut back.
- Fly less often, don't fly as far and fly less classy. Teleconference for work instead of going there. Drive to one of Australia's beautiful mountains, cities or beaches for a holiday. Fly overseas once every three years for a long trip, instead of every year for a short trip. Always fly economy.
- Don't brag. Remember airports, belly-belly and the troubles with travel? I love to travel, but I sometimes suspect flying is about prestige rather than pleasure. Let's stop wrecking the plane to outdo one other. Don't boast about your last trip. Don't admire someone else's. Rave about their South Coast beach adventure instead, and we'll change the norm of what a 'holiday' means.
THIS IS THE EIGHTH OF TEN INSTALLATIONS AT 'ART, NOT APART 2019'.
CAN YOU FIND NINE MORE HIDDEN AROUND THE FESTIVAL?
Duplo kindly on loan from the private collection of X.
Data and sources are here. See also Blog Post for Week Six.