Six ways to reduce carbon emissions fast

Tackling climate change on a global scale is a huge challenge – but most people have access to some small, simple measures. Many millions of people around the world are expected to participate in Earth Day on Saturday in support of environmental protection. Foremost on the minds of many is climate change – and the need to rapidly reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Much of the change needed to limit climate change is quickly beyond what any one person can do—from improving renewable energy infrastructure to rapidly phasing out fossil fuels. But even individual actions can add up. This Earth Day, Future Planet explores some of the most impactful and immediate changes you can make today to help reduce your emissions.

Fewer flights

If all flights on Earth were to suddenly stop, at least 2.5 % of all CO2 emissions would be stopped immediately. Air transport contributes approximately one billion tons of CO2 emissions every year. From 2013 to 2019, emissions from the aviation industry increased by 30%, according to a report by the International Clean Transportation Council. Despite the decline due to the pandemic, its emissions are currently on the rise again. While emissions from air travel are relatively small overall, each flight emits a lot of greenhouse gases. For example, a return flight from London to New York emits almost a ton CO2 and the climate impact is even greater due to other non-CO2 emissions from aircraft. A blanket ban on flying would, of course, be unthinkable. However, a reduction in the demand for flights is completely possible and does not mean that you cannot travel. You can try taking the train or bus, which have much lower emissions, in one or both directions. Or you could try flying half as often for twice as long. Airline economy also tends to be much lower than flying business or first class. (Read more about how you can reduce your emissions from flying.) Changing the way some planes are powered could also soon be within reach. Smaller planes could soon fly on electric motors. For example, Norway wants all short-haul flights leaving its airports to be powered by electricity by 2040. Larger aircraft, meanwhile, could switch to alternative fuels such as biofuels, synthetic fuels made from renewable energy sources or, in the long term, hydrogen. (Read more about the fastest way aviation could reduce its carbon emissions.)