The 2021 European Mobility Atlas states that transport accounts for nearly 30 percent of the CO₂ emissions within the European Union and that the continent has to innovate in order to achieve its climate goals. Aviation in particular has been blamed for its impact on the climate despite the fact that the industry itself claims that it accounts for a mere 2 percent of global CO₂ emissions. The European Mobility Atlas states that factors such as aircraft flying at altitude actually make the true impact higher and it could account for as much as 5 to 8 percent of total emissions.
So, how would ditching flying boost sustainable living and reduce carbon footprints? The research claims that switching to a vegetarian diet would save 460kg of CO₂ equivalents/year while living without a car would save up to 2,000kg annually. When it comes to flying, however, avoiding one return flight between Berlin and Rome would generate savings of 700kg. Long-haul flights have a dire impact on the environment and deciding against taking one fight between Madrid and Rio de Janeiro would result in a whopping 5,100kg of CO₂ equivalents saved.
