According to data published by the European Environment Agency, an aeroplane emits 285 grams of carbon dioxide per person per kilometre, while trains emit only 14 grams of the same gas per person per kilometre.
This explains why the trend of using a slower and more eco-friendly mode of transport has been growing in the tourism industry. This trend is driven by Gen Z and millennial travellers who care about the impact their consumption patterns have on the planet’s overall health.
Companies and indeed countries are recognising the change in attitude towards consumption and have responded accordingly, to help lessen the impact that travelling has on the environment. Continue reading to see how various organisations are joining the ‘flygskam’ or ‘flight shame’ movement:
Flight Free UK is a campaign created by individuals to encourage fellow Londoners to join them in pledging a flight-free 2020 . This means participants will forego aeroplane travel and use ferries, boats, bicycles or trains instead. The organisation aims to replicate the impact that Greta Thunberg and the youth climate strikers had on the aviation industry, with an 8% decrease in the demand for flights. In the first phase of this initiative, the organisation wants 100,000 Londoners to sign up, thereby taking a step towards reducing the capital city’s CO2 emissions. For more information visit Flight Free Uk’s website.
KLM Airways’ Fly Responsibly Initiative
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has created the “Fly Responsibly” initiative to encourage patrons to consider whether they actually need to fly or whether they can use an alternative mode of transport to reach their destination. All they need to do is download the KLM app and follow the suggestions when they book a flight. The airline also offers travellers a chance to offset the carbon emissions generated during a flight. The CO2ZERO carbon offsetting programme, reinvests some of the profits into “gold standard” renewable energy projects around the world. Click here for more information on this initiative.
Above: Watch how the KLM CO2ZERO initiative works
Climate Perks is a pilot programme that targets employees who love to travel and employers whose businesses involves frequently getting from A to B. The initiative aims to mitigate the impact of travel on the environment by encouraging travellers to use modes of transport that emit less CO2 gas than aeroplanes. Both employees and employers can sign up; employers need to pledge to give two paid journey- days a year to staff who travel on holiday by coach, train or boat. In return, employers receive Climate Perks accreditation. For companies, their ESG – Environmental, Social and Governance – rating is becoming an increasingly important factor in the way they do business. Click here for more information.
By Tumelo Mojapelo
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About Tumelo
As Head of Content and Foresight Facilitator, Tumelo Mojapelo oversees and directs the
research undertaken and content generated by the Flux Trends team. With a wealth of
knowledge and experience in the trends analysis space, her mission is to empower
entrepreneurs and business people to make better decisions through an understanding of trends – how seemingly unrelated factors and events have the potential to disrupt current business models and society.
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Image credit: Ryan Tang AND Flight Free UK and KLM Airways AND JK/Climate Perks
Video credit: KLM Royal Ducth Airlines