Aviation Emissions Explained

How This is Calculated

Short haul (<1500km): ~0.255 kg CO₂/km/passenger. Long haul (>3500km): ~0.195 kg CO₂/km. Business class multiplier: ×2. First class: ×4. The radiative forcing index (typically ×1.9) accounts for non-CO₂ effects at altitude.

Carbon Offsetting

A mature tree absorbs roughly 21kg of CO₂ per year. Offsetting schemes also fund renewable energy, methane capture, and reforestation. Quality schemes are certified by Gold Standard or Verra — prices vary from £5–30 per tonne.

Context

A single long-haul return flight can equal months of driving emissions. The UK average annual carbon footprint is around 5–6 tonnes. A London–New York return in economy class is approximately 1 tonne of CO₂ equivalent.

Flight Carbon Footprint Calculator

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