Flight Emissions & Gift 4 Nature
International airfares cost a lot for our family, Christmas 2024. The cost benefit is obvious to all, but what about the cost to the climate?
Air New Zealand Flights: What were the flight emissions for our 3 hour return trip, Auckland-Sydney? According to Air New Zealand, it was nearly 0.9t of CO2 equivalents for two economy class seats. Perhaps a bit light, but fortunately they have a comprehensive Voluntary Emissions Contribution Programme for where the offset funds are spent.
myclimate.org Calculation: This website calculates the CO2 equivalents at 1.6 t, nearly double Air New Zealand's 0936 t.
Fuel: According to myclimate.org's Calculation Principles, it includes the CO₂ emissions through pre-production of jet fuel/kerosene (including transport and refinery processes) and fuel combustion. However, they do not include the cost of creating the pipelines or tankers.
Cabin Class: one might think that flying economy or business class would not affect the flight emissions, but First and business cabin classes take up more space and thus do not allow for as many passengers as an aircraft with only economy class seats. The seats are bigger and heavier, plus the baggage allowance is larger, all contributing to higher emissions.
Airports: Emissions from airport operations are also included, but not the cost of building the runways or terminals, or the regular upgrading of the terminals.
Clearly there are many ways to calculate emissions contributions and of course the best way to reduce emissions is not to fly.
Gift 4 Nature is a commitment to
behaviour change for reducing emissions.
Yoshimi and Jon's Gift 4 Nature project effectively reduces flying by doubling the $cost, matching investment in Nature with investment in air travel (i.e. the cost of airfares). "But surely flying at peak period is a lot more expensive, but the same emissions!". And that is the whole point of matching dollar for dollar - there is no technical argument about what is fair, or what is correct. If we can afford an airfare plus matching investment in Nature, then we fly. If not, we don't wish to damage the environment for future generations, just to save ourselves a few dollars.
$1000 Towards Cockle Bay Restoration
Over the years, the Cockle Bay Domain has transformed into an ecological paradise…thanks to the determination, perseverance and hard mahi of the locals.
The Bretts rented a house in Cockled Bay for their USA family and wanted them to appreciate the impact of their efforts, so they created a Discovery Trail for them. One person tackled the 4+km run whilst two teams took on the 1km challenge (the Eagles landed from USA at 6am that morning!). The quiz debrief was hilarious, especially as one team got lost.
This donation is just one of several donations to other organisations covering the total cost of the airfares.
MORE: ► Gift 4 Nature Project