July 7th, 2024

The role of long-distance travel in carbon emissions from passenger travel

Long-distance travel in England, though only 2.7% of trips, contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Policies targeting flying could reduce emissions, crucial for transportation decarbonization by 2050.

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The role of long-distance travel in carbon emissions from passenger travel

The article discusses the significant impact of long-distance travel on carbon emissions from passenger transport, focusing on England. Despite constituting only 2.7% of trips, long-distance travel (>50 miles one-way) contributes to 61.3% of miles and 69.3% of greenhouse gas emissions from passenger travel. The study highlights the increasing trend of long-distance travel, particularly by flying for leisure and social purposes. It suggests that policies targeting long-distance travel, especially flying, could lead to substantial reductions in emissions. The analysis reveals that international trips, primarily by air, play a significant role in overall passenger miles and emissions. The study proposes a new metric to assess the effectiveness of travel demand initiatives in reducing emissions. Understanding the patterns of passenger travel, especially long-distance travel, is crucial for achieving decarbonization goals in the transportation sector. The findings emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach that includes behavioral changes alongside technological advancements to achieve a net-zero society by 2050.

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