In today’s fast-paced world, aircraft have significantly reduced the travel time between two destinations. There is a notion that long-haul travel produces an equal quantity of emissions that cars would take years. These lead some to believe that we should cancel non-essential flights instead of curbing the use of vehicles. I strongly disagree with the motion. Firstly, air transport has made it easier to travel between two destinations. Secondly, they do not produce high levels of emissions on an individual basis.
Firstly, planes have created a new era of travel for everyone and enabled humans to visit unforeseeable places. Airplanes can cross continents in record time with comfort and safety. Additionally, they provided deals to people for foreign destinations that they had dreamt about. It has decreased the time by hours, if not days, and has increased the process of globalization. For instance, John can meet clients in Singapore on Wednesday and still be able to meet his friends on Friday night.
In addition to that, aircraft do not pollute the environment in higher proportions than cars during long-haul flights. Multiple factors work in favor such as the cruise phase when it is more efficient, and fewer take-offs which consumes more fuel. The carbon footprint produced during the journey has to be divided according to the passengers which reduces the number when compared to cars and short-haul flights.
To conclude, higher fuel consumption by jets can not equate to more carbon output than cars. Faster travel has become an essential part of our lives which can not be foreseen.