The aviation sector has a significant impact on the climate. Here's an overview of this impact:

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Emissions: Aviation accounts for a notable portion of global CO2 emissions. In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily decreased air traffic, aviation was responsible for about 2 to 3% of total CO2 emissions worldwide.

Non-CO2 Emissions: Beyond CO2, aircraft also emit nitrogen oxides (NOx) which, at high altitudes, can contribute to the formation of ozone, a potent greenhouse gas. Planes also produce contrails that can evolve into cirrus clouds, high-altitude clouds with a warming effect. These impacts can, in some cases, be more significant in the short term than the direct effects of CO2 emissions.

Altitude Effect: Emissions released at high altitudes have different impacts than those released at ground level. At these heights, the interaction between emitted gases and the atmosphere can intensify the greenhouse effect.

Sector Growth: With the rise in air traffic, despite improvements in aircraft energy efficiency, the emissions from the aviation sector are expected to continue to increase unless significant measures are taken.

Given this reality, it's crucial, when choosing to travel by air, to implement compensatory measures to mitigate the carbon footprint of our journeys. Continue the process to offset your air travels using our portfolios of Gold Standard-certified projects!

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to air travel are calculated by considering the distance traveled and travel class. The conversion factors used to determine GHG emissions are sourced from reliable and up-to-date sources, such as: DEFRA, Conversion Factors 2021: Condensed Set (For Most Users) - Revised January 2022.