The pandemic reduced air traffic massively in 2020 and gave the climate a short breathing space. But if we overcome Covid next year, should we take off again? We say: No! Here’s why:

1. Flights are very bad for your climate footprint.

Taking one long-haul flight can add more to your individual climate footprint than most people in the world produce in a whole year! Buying second-hand clothes, going vegetarian or vegan, driving less: all these things are important – but just one flight can release more emissions than you can save with all of this.

2. Flying is the fastest way to climate breakdown.

Planes are the most climate-damaging means of transport. In 2018, air traffic was responsible for almost 6% of global heating. This is because a flight’s climate impact isn’t limited to CO₂. Due to other pollution taking place at altitude, the total impact is on average 3 times the effect of the emitted CO₂ alone. So obviously it’s a big problem that before the pandemic air traffic was growing like mad.

3. Air traffic is extremely unjust.

Just one 1% of the world’s population causes more than half of all air traffic emissions. The sad irony is that those who never fly are the first to bear the consequences of the climate crisis. And while there are some good reasons for taking a flight, like visiting your family on another continent from time to time, there are way too many bullshit flights: like the business same-day return flight or the two-day shopping trip to Paris.

5. Climate-neutral flying is an illusion.

The “solutions” promoted by the aviation industry such as electric flying, biofuels and synthetic fuels are a bit like the tobacco industry advertising healthy cigarettes to come in the future. It mostly serves to legitimise their dirty business – but it’s totally unrealistic.

6. The aviation industry is irresponsible.

For decades, it lobbied against appropriate climate rules, which still don’t exist. Through tax privileges such as the lack of a kerosene tax or VAT, every year it gets billions from us, whether we fly or not. Companies like Fraport build new airports all over the world, destroying land and displacing communities – like currently in Vila Nazaré in Brazil. Do you really want to give your money to such an industry?

7. Airlines have exploited the Covid crisis.

During 2020, airlines and airports have received hundreds of billions in taxpayer money from governments around the world – most of it without any social or environmental conditions. But instead of showing their responsibility in return, the industry has pressed for reduced health safety measures to allow flying to continue, lobbied against effective climate action, reinforced their greenwashing, and laid off hundreds of thousands of employees all over the world.

9. There are better ways to travel.

In order to stop climate breakdown, we must change our ways of living in every area – be it food or transport. The good news is: there are climate friendly alternatives to flying. A train ride can emit up to 70 times less emissions than a flight. Travelling slower takes more time, but you can experience much more, for example on a sailing trip or a two-week bicycle tour.