There are many ways you can reduce your carbon footprint while you travel. Take a look at the resources below to calculate your carbon footprint and gain tips on how to reduce it.
As the below graphic from Sustainable Tourism International shows, transport accounts for 49% of the carbon footprint of Global Tourism.
Also according to Sustainable Tourism International and shown in the graphic below, airplane travel emits more CO2 than any other mode of transportation, at .82 pounds per passenger per mile.
Take direct flights whenever possible. As the infographic below shows, a typical flight from Philadelphia to Rome emits about 1.2 tons of CO2, while adding a connecting flight through O’Hare emits more than 1.4.
Stay local and explore your host country and city for a more immersive experience, and when you do travel, take less-carbon intensive modes of transportation. A single journey from London to Paris via air emits 59kg of CO2 vs. just 2kg for a train ride -- plus, it takes nearly 2 times as long to travel via air, once you calculate transportation to the airport and waiting time (and not counting flight delays!).
What’s yours?
Use one of these tools to calculate your total semester carbon footprint:
Find greener flights:
Offsetting
While it’s most important to reduce our carbon footprint, some emissions remain unavoidable and you may wish to offset that portion of your travel abroad. When you do seek offsets, be sure to research your provider and choose donations or volunteer opportunities that are meaningful to you:
Sustainability and Study Abroad-Episode 1: Sustainable Travel Tips
In this video, Education Abroad Associate Director Suzanne Willever and Office of Sustainability Director Rebecca Collins, discuss strategies for reducing your carbon footprint that can actually enhance your experience abroad.