Flying is bad for the climate. An aviation expert says stopping it immediately would have huge economic consequences.
According to experts, air traffic is one of the children’s problems in climate protection. “CO2 emissions from aviation account for about 2 to 3 percent worldwide. “With spillovers like soot and blowout, we’re at 5 percent,” says Reto Knuti, a climate researcher at ETH Zurich.
This seems relatively little. But the growth potential is huge, Knutti asserts: “In Switzerland it’s already 20 percent. If everyone wanted to fly like we do in Switzerland, it would be a huge number.”
In fact, only 11% of the world’s population uses an airplane each year. As the wealthy middle class grows in many countries, the number of frequent flyers is also growing – and with them, carbon dioxide emissions.
Fuel alternatives are problematic
When it comes to cars, those responsible for technology are trying hard to develop new drivetrains. Progress in electric cars is rapid.
In aviation, Knuti says, it’s not that easy. There are biofuels, for example from sugar cane. But they are a problem because we compete with them for food supplies.”
There are also synthetic fuels made from sunlight or electricity. “In principle, these would be carbon dioxide neutral,” says the climate researcher. However, they are currently very expensive and only available in small quantities.
The economy will be turned upside down
That is why many people consciously fantasize about flying and choose other means of transportation. What would happen if tomorrow everyone gave up flying? If not a single plane takes off globally?
Michael Weinman, a hobby pilot and SRF aviation expert, says the economic impact would be enormous. Zurich Airport employs about 27 thousand people. 8,000 in Switzerland alone.” They would all be out of work the next day.
legend:
Snow covered Alps behind Zurich Airport.
Imago / imageBROKER / Arnulf Hettrich
Companies will go bankrupt and liquidate. At the same time, it could start a fire: “It’s not just people who work for an airline or at an airport who lose their jobs. Instead, it will affect many other sectors,” Weinman says.
According to the aviation expert, the entire economy will be turned upside down globally. Overnight foreign tourism will collapse: the Maldives suddenly becomes a fishing village again.
Weinman adds that valuable and perishable goods, such as medicines, suddenly had to be transported by ship. Goods, for example cell phones, must be made where they are needed again – not in China.
Hardly realistic, but useful nonetheless
These examples show that a complete stop of a flight is hardly realistic. Thought experiments may be useful, says climate researcher Knuti. The pandemic has shown that even major changes – if needed – can be implemented in a very short time.
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