As millions of Americans prepare to fly home for the holidays, their biggest planet-warming impact may not come from the carbon burned in their planes’ engines but the thin, wispy clouds that trail behind their flights.
Travelers this summer have seen widespread flight cancellations and delays as airlines battle severe weather events across the country and abroad. And with the effects of climate change, travelers may need to get used to those headaches.
A French ban on domestic short-haul flights when alternative train journeys exist came into force this week, with one lawmaker hailing it as “an essential step” in the country’s efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions.
As the airline industry faces pressure to reduce its carbon emissions—sustainable aviation fuel could help with meeting 65% of targets. It's an expensive process, however, and one that might lead to a 22% jump in airfare for the consumer by 2050.
