Between 2016 and 2020, Indian airlines released 84,322 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, according to Minister of State for Civil Aviation V K Singh.
Commercial aviation accounts for around 2% to 3% of global carbon emissions.
“From 2016 to 2020, the estimated quantum of CO2 (carbon dioxide) emissions by Indian scheduled passenger airlines to/from domestic destinations is 50,854 kilotonnes and that to/from international destinations is 33,468 kilotonnes,”Singh said in response to a written question in the Rajya Sabha.
He said that in order to minimise CO2 emissions, airlines in the nation had taken steps such as reducing unneeded weight on planes, minimising moisture or filth buildup in planes, and adequate speed and flap management.
“Measures taken by airports to promote renewable energy includes use of solar energy to meet electricity demands,” the minister stated.
Greta Thunberg, a Swedish climate activist, has given up travelling to decrease her own carbon footprint, igniting the "flight shame" campaign in Europe and elsewhere.
