There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on factors such as whether and when airlines transition to more sustainable fuels. Our research [17] (in Swedish) suggests that halving global air travel could align with the two-degree climate goal, provided there is a substantial technological shift in aviation and emissions decrease at a similar pace in other sectors. The EU has made decisions aimed at promoting this technological shift for flights within Europe, but for intercontinental flights (which account for half of Swedes’ flight emissions), there are still no strong policies in place.
For those who feel unable to replace all flights with alternative modes of travel, a potential guideline might be to limit flying to half of the current average for Swedes—that is, a maximum of 3,000 kilometers per year, roughly the level of flying seen in the late 1990s. This could mean, for example, a round trip from Stockholm to London once a year, Stockholm to southern Europe (18) every other year, or Stockholm to New York every four years.
About author:
Jörgen Larsson
Deputy programme director, associate professor, senior researcher, Department of Space, Earth and Environment, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg
My research aims to understand how consumption patterns can be adjusted to achieve politically set goals, such as climate targets. This involves developing goal scenarios with calculations of climate benefits from both technical and behavioral changes. My main focus is on analyzing political instruments aimed at achieving these goals, including how policies can be designed to both reduce emissions and be accepted by the public. I primarily work with the consumption areas of long-distance travel (air travel) and food. In addition,I am the vice program director for the Mistra program and lead the projects “Policy packages and public support” and “Company targets as a form of sustainable consumption governance.”
jorgen.larsson@chalmers.se
+46317723108
