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What Can You Do To About Climate Change If You Like To Travel?

You love to travel and you do it any chance you get.  In fact, you've just booked your fourth trip this year! But, now you're feeling guilty with all the talk about climate change. You know that long haul flights are one of the most costly activities (carbon wise) you can do. So, what should you do? Cancel travelling altogether? Let's explore some alternative ideas.




 Travelling By Airplane

Personally, I get a little irked when influencers, travel bloggers and musicians who are well travelled are now jumping on the band wagon and saying they are no longer travelling by plane and want everyone to do the same. I'm like, you had your chance, it's my turn! 

No one denies the benefits of travelling by plane. Since 1914, the first commercial flight, people have had more opportunity to connect with others in the world than ever before. Previously, travel was done by boat, trains or horse (before the motor-car and bus) which meant it would take a long time to reach your destination. According to USA Today, travelling by airplane is faster, safer, more comfortable and cheaper in many cases. 

In regard to affecting climate change, however, airplanes are the worst offenders. Newsweek cites a study published in Environmental Research Letters that says that it costs 1.6 tonnes CO2-equivalent for a return trip across the Atlantic. So, besides not travelling by plane, what can you do?

1. Cut down on airplane travel.  You could do this by coordinating your travel so you are only flying to one area and then exploring the area by alternatives forms of transportation like train or bus. For example, you could fly from New York to Paris, then take the train to other countries while you are in Europe instead of planning multiple trips. Additionally,  you could do a stop over - Icelandair offers many flights that let you stop over in Iceland on your way to Europe from North America. This sounds like a great idea and you also get to cross Iceland off your bucket-list!


2. Carbon Offset.  This is where you calculate your carbon footprint (how much CO2 you are using) and then donate an equivalent amount of money to an offset project. Carbonfootprint.comhttps://www.carbonfootprint.com/ is an excellent resource for understanding how carbon offset works, calculating and finding projects. For example, if I plug in 1.6 tonnes into the calculator, I will be given the opportunity to donate $25 towards reforestation in Kenya or pay $16 towards projects that support emission reduction. 

Other Ways To Fight Climate Change


  • Consume less energy overall. These are the easy things like switching to more energy efficient lightbulbs and appliances, unplugging cords and using less energy.

  • Eat For a Climate Stable Environment. This means eating locally, growing your own food, not wasting and eating less meat.

  • Consuming less. By reducing, reusing, and recycling you are not only saving money but saving energy and water. According to curiousity.com, it takes 2,700 litres of water to make one t-shirt!

  • Invest in Renewables Rather Than Fossil Fuels. Check your portfolio to see what companies you are investing in and be proactive in your investment choices. 

There are so many benefits to travelling - from broadening your horizons to real life education. Airplane travel has given us quick and cost-effective ways to do this. Increasingly, our awareness of climate change has made us have second thoughts about travelling by plane. However, there are a variety of things you can do to offset your carbon footprint and fight climate change.
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