Why flight free?
Reducing our carbon emissions is vital in avoiding climate breakdown. There are lots of things we can do, like eating less meat, using renewable energy, or driving less. But did you know that just one flight can wipe out all those savings? Living sustainably whilst continuing to fly is impossible.
Flight free for the climate
Many people don't realise how carbon-intensive flying is, but very little else will raise your carbon footprint by so much and so quickly as taking a flight. The 2021 IPCC report gives the clearest warning yet that we are heading for catastrophic climate change, and avoiding it requires action from all of us – especially those of us in high-carbon economies such as the UK. Reducing the amount you fly is the easiest way to make a meaningful reduction to your carbon footprint.
Flight free for justice
Even though flying might seem quite common, only around 10% of the world's population has ever been on a plane – yet the consequences of rising emissions are felt by everyone all over the world. It's a huge injustice that the people who are least responsible for causing the climate crisis are suffering the most.
Even here in the UK, only around half of us fly in any given year, but the negative effects of increased emissions, air pollution and noise pollution are felt by us all. Choosing to stay grounded is a positive choice for each other as well as for the climate.
Flight free travel
Not flying doesn't mean not travelling! With the whole of Europe on our doorstep, we have so many holiday destinations to choose from. Taking the train instead of the plane can reduce emissions by as much as 90%, and going overland can be a really enjoyable experience.
COVID-19
The Covid-19 pandemic has shown us that perhaps we don't need to travel as much as we thought we did; online interactions have replaced many business trips, and many people have discovered the joy of travelling closer to home. But even though flights have reduced significantly because of the pandemic, the conversation has moved away from the climate.
The case still needs to be made for flying less, even in Covid times. Meaningful climate action comes when people choose to make changes – not when they're forced to make them because of the pandemic.
