On average, flying emitted 125 grams of carbon dioxide equvalent per unit of energy (gCO₂e per MJ) in 2021. The amount of carbon emitted by aviation per unit of energy has not changed since 1990, owing to the industry still burning jet fuel that releases the same amount of CO₂ when burned. The shift toward alternative aviation fuels, such as SAF and hydrogen propulsion, could help significantly reduce aviation emissions over the coming decades.
Aviation carbon emissions per unit of energy used worldwide from 1990 to 2021
(in grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per megajoule)
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OWID. (April 7, 2024). Aviation carbon emissions per unit of energy used worldwide from 1990 to 2021 (in grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per megajoule) [Graph]. In Statista. Retrieved January 08, 2025, from https://www.statista.com/statistics/1500236/aviation-carbon-emissions-per-unit-of-energy/
OWID. "Aviation carbon emissions per unit of energy used worldwide from 1990 to 2021 (in grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per megajoule)." Chart. April 7, 2024. Statista. Accessed January 08, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1500236/aviation-carbon-emissions-per-unit-of-energy/
OWID. (2024). Aviation carbon emissions per unit of energy used worldwide from 1990 to 2021 (in grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per megajoule). Statista. Statista Inc.. Accessed: January 08, 2025. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1500236/aviation-carbon-emissions-per-unit-of-energy/
OWID. "Aviation Carbon Emissions per Unit of Energy Used Worldwide from 1990 to 2021 (in Grams of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent per Megajoule)." Statista, Statista Inc., 7 Apr 2024, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1500236/aviation-carbon-emissions-per-unit-of-energy/
OWID, Aviation carbon emissions per unit of energy used worldwide from 1990 to 2021 (in grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per megajoule) Statista, https://www.statista.com/statistics/1500236/aviation-carbon-emissions-per-unit-of-energy/ (last visited January 08, 2025)
Aviation carbon emissions per unit of energy used worldwide from 1990 to 2021 (in grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per megajoule) [Graph], OWID, April 7, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1500236/aviation-carbon-emissions-per-unit-of-energy/
