For the last couple of weeks, TxIPL’s focus has been on Living the Change by reducing the miles we drive in our car. It’s now time to look at air travel. Not everyone can afford it. Only about three percent of the global population traveled by air in 2017. If you are one of the few who boarded a plane last year, then you are part of a small group that accounted for approximately 2.5% of the world’s total carbon emissions. The environmental impact of aviation is clear; therefore, reducing air travel has to be part of living the change in transportation. This can be a difficult choice, because air travel connects us to people we love and places we want to be.
Many faith traditions teach sacrificial giving as a way of devotion to God and as a way to love others. Before buying your next airplane ticket, consider the possibility that the choice to fly may be about more than cost. It may be an opportunity for a faithful sacrifice. Reflect, pray, and meditate on the trip. Is it a need or a want? Do other modes of travel have a lower carbon footprint but require the sacrifice of time? Can the trip's purpose be accomplished by other means (e.g., video conferencing)? Would another destination work just as well (e.g., for a vacation)? If flying is necessary, are there ways to mitigate or offset its climate impact?
As with many matters of faith, there is not one right answer for everyone and every situation. The goal is to make intentional choices that consider the sustainability of God’s creation and the well-being of others, in addition to our own time, cost, and convenience. Here are some resources to help your consideration of air travel.
Flying is Bad for the Planet – You Can Help Make It Better
How to Reduce the Impact of Air Travel