One of the common concerns regarding traveling is how much pollution their preferred mode of transportation is causing to the environment. There is an on-going battle among driving vs flying that one of these causes more pollution. People assume that since planes are much bigger and powerful than cars, they are likely to cause more air pollution compared to long road trips. So, what do you think? What causes environmental pollution? Read ahead to find out.
We first need to understand the comparison of these two means of transport (Driving vs Flying) to find the answer to this question.
Comparing Greenhouse Gasses Emissions
According to UN World Tourism Organization report, tourism releases around five percent of all energy-related CO2 (carbon dioxide) global emissions, with almost three-quarters of the greenhouse gas emitted from transportation. According to the EPA, “a typical passenger vehicle emits around 4.6 metric tons of CO2 per year.”
While on the other hand, the average long flight releases nearly 14 percent of the carbon dioxide your car emits annually. Driving the same route will result in the release of 1.26 tons of carbon dioxide. Based on EPA estimates, an average passenger vehicle getting 21.6 miles per gallon releases 411 grams of CO2 per mile.
Driving vs Flying
Flying–Air pollution
Flying is usually considered bad for the planet because it significantly raises global warming and pollution and emits a huge carbon footprint. Airplanes run on kerosene, which releases a massive amount of CO2 and other gasses into the atmosphere after combustion.
Undoubtedly, aviation is one of the fastest-growing sources of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Airlines contribute to the economy in various ways, including imports, exports, tourism, and business. Due to the immense growth of the industry and the fact that there is no viable alternative to kerosene as a fuel, the industry continues to have adverse effects on the climate.
Driving-Car pollution
Every time you drive, pollution is emitted directly into the air, posing significant health risks to you and the environment, especially if you live near busy roads. You know that these vehicles contribute to air pollution whenever you see smoke billowing from your car exhaust pipe. Automobiles emit pollutants when they burn gasoline. Even when we pump gasoline into our fuel tanks, gasoline fumes escape into the air. That’s how it contributes to pollution.
Are Airplanes More Problematic than Cars?
It’s a time when flying shouldn’t be seen as trivial. Planes have always been problematic and polluting source of transportation. By facts, it has been proved that flying participates higher in the contribution of pollution to the environment. But so are cars; even airplanes only contribute 2-3% of global emissions, while on the other side, road traffic accounts for 10% of these greenhouse gas emissions.
Planes still are among the most polluting means of transportation, including cars. Suppose an example: In a journey of 500 km, a plane will pollute 10 to 50 times more than a high-speed electric train and around 5-10 times more than a bus. However, the high use of air transport isn’t appreciated because of high air travel carbon footprint. It can do good if people use their cars less, but it’s not better if they prioritize planes instead of a bus or trains.
Moreover, the problem is that globalization calls for the prosperity of the aviation industry. Sadly, we are creating new transport opportunities(new flights and routes), which are important in raising pollution. We are developing new destinations that push us to travel far away and pollute even more. For instance, if a Paris-Newyork flight emits about 1 ton of CO2. That’sThat’s usually the annual “carbon budget” a person should limit himself to fight climate change. Based on a 7,9 billion population and 11 billion tons of CO2 ecosystem absorption capacity, this limit should be 1.39 tons of CO2eq per person per year.
The best possible answer to this problem is taking other modes of transportation but not cars.
How problematic is driving than flying?
Cars are a major cause of pollution. As a result of car pollution, there are many negative impacts on the environment. With the emission of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gasses from our cars, the ozone layer is depleting, which protects our planet from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Undoubtedly, the unburned hydrocarbons and other chemicals in car exhaust contribute to air pollution and acid rain, both of which contribute to respiratory diseases such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis.
In addition, road salt can also cause damage to buildings and other objects that are exposed to it, as it corrodes paint and deteriorates the metal. Aside from that, oil and chemicals from the roadways pollute water sources by contaminating them with oil and chemicals.
Reducing car pollution
Despite all of this, it’s unrealistic to think about eliminating cars. However, there are specific ways by which we can reduce the impact of car pollution.
1. Drive less
The following tips will help you reduce driving time:
- You should walk or bike whenever it is possible
- Use public transportation if it is convenient
- Instead of driving alone, carpool with friends.
- Ride-sharing services can be used.
2. Drive wise
Reduce emissions, drive more safely, and save money on fuel costs by following these tips:
- Don’t be too hard on the brakes and gas pedal – drive efficiently.
- Make sure your car is maintained. Get regular tune-ups, follow maintenance schedules, and use the oil recommended by the manufacturer.
3. Choose fuel efficient vehicles
Consider fuel-efficient vehicles with low greenhouse gas emissions when shopping for a new car. As well as saving you money on fuel costs, these cars can help the environment. Here are some tips to follow:
Discover vehicles that are more efficient and less polluting with EPA’s Green Vehicle Guide, such as:
- Electric vehicles
- Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
- The hydrogen fuel cell vehicle
- Fuel-efficient gasoline vehicles.
4.Use AIC Technology
AIC (air intake cooler) is an advanced air intake system that facilitates more efficacious engine combustion. The good thing is it is compatible with both diesel and petrol internal combustion engines. With better thermal efficiency, the engine can reduce fuel consumption by 10-20% while producing more power. By reducing fuel consumption by 50%, harmful emissions are also reduced.
Conclusion
It remains a battle if we were to discuss which is worse for the environment: Driving vs Flying. It might be that some points will be in favor of flying while others will be in favor of driving, but both of these activities play a prominent role in polluting the environment in large amounts. This means of transportation should be used in a way that reduces pollution. Make sure you behave and act wisely to reduce the carbon footprint of driving vs flying.