Home
Back
Flight CO2 Emission Formula:
| From: | To: |
The flight carbon footprint represents the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced by air travel. It's calculated based on the distance flown and the specific emission factors for aircraft.
The calculator uses the flight emission equation:
Where:
Explanation: The equation accounts for the direct relationship between flight distance and CO2 emissions, with different aircraft having varying emission factors.
Details: Calculating flight emissions helps individuals and organizations understand their environmental impact, make informed travel decisions, and offset their carbon footprint.
Tips: Enter flight distance in kilometers and the emission factor (default value provided is typical for commercial flights). All values must be valid (distance > 0, emission factor > 0).
Q1: Why use 0.257 kg CO2/km as default?
A: This is a typical emission factor for commercial passenger flights, but actual values may vary based on aircraft type, load factor, and flight distance.
Q2: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides a reasonable estimate but doesn't account for factors like altitude, aircraft age, or specific routing that might affect actual emissions.
Q3: How can I find exact flight distance?
A: Many flight booking websites provide distance information, or you can use online flight distance calculators.
Q4: Does this include radiative forcing?
A: No, this calculates only CO2 emissions. The total climate impact of flying is higher when considering other effects like contrails and NOx emissions.
Q5: How can I offset my flight emissions?
A: Many organizations offer carbon offset programs that fund renewable energy or reforestation projects to compensate for your emissions.