There’s really no contest.
Studies have shown that a train produces around a tenth of the carbon emissions
of an aeroplane. And uses up just over a third of the energy for the same journey.
Aircraft use a lot of fuel in taking off and landing, which really bumps up the
CO2 emissions per passenger. So short-haul flights – the kind that you might take
to or around Europe – have a relatively greater environmental impact.
You also need to consider the emissions produced in getting to and from the airports
(often by car). Train journeys, on the other hand, tend to start and finish in a
city centre – meaning more convenience and less pollution.
Taking the train instead of the plane is one of the easiest ways to cut your carbon
footprint and to be more energy efficient.
Best of all, you don’t miss out on anything by being green. In helping to save the
planet, you save yourself stress, time and unnecessary expense.
