How bad are CO2 emissions produced by airplanes?

Air travel is one of the most carbon-intensive activities and emits a lot of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. One flight from the United States to Asia can produce as much as five metric tons of carbon dioxide, as well as other greenhouse gasses. This is equivalent to 5,000 kilograms (11,000 pounds), and every metric ton of carbon dioxide emitted leads to the loss of three square meters of ice in the Arctic sea.

If you are concerned about flight emissions, you can fly less by prioritizing other public transportation for short-distance traveling. Taking direct flights to your destination also helps as takeoffs and landings use more fuel than flying at altitude.

Compensating for your emissions by buying carbon offsets is another option. There are a wide range of carbon offsetting projects, including planting trees to reduce deforestation, providing clean drinking water to remote villages and financing renewable energy to speed up the transition away from fossil fuels.