Low Carbon Public Transport and the Competition with Aviation

Transitioning away from aviation to reduce emissions remains challenging, especially due to the demographics of current aviation users. This is because although only 11% of the global population have travelled by air, frequent flyers from more economically developed countries contribute significant levels of emissions through international and national travel. Although there are already policies in place to reduce emissions including the introduction of voluntary offsetting and the emission trading schemes, these do not appear efficient enough to reduce emissions if net zero targets are to be met. Therefore, introducing more drastic measures such as banning short-haul flights is more likely to see alternative transport modes such as high-speed rail (HSR) becoming a more viable and environmentally friendly option. However, ensuring the alternative transport options are in place before making these changes will also be necessary to ensure this transition towards low carbon alternative transport options.