There are numerous popular misconceptions about the role of aviation in the generation of greenhouse gasses and concurrent damage to the environment. Here are 10 of the most common.
Taken from a Swedish perspective – and that of Stockholm’s main flight hub at Arlanda – most of them are equally valid for Norway and Denmark and, for that matter, the rest of the world.
1. "Over 30 percent of the Swedish people believe that flying accounts for 20 percent or more of the world's carbon dioxide emissions."
2. "An airplane has such a long lifecycle - 30 years - that no improvements can be reached for a long time."
3. "Flight has such high emissions per kilometer that it is not reasonable to continue flying."
4. "But flight's total emissions are so much more dangerous, up to five times more dangerous than the carbon dioxide emitted."
5. "Aviation is growing ... vigorous efforts are required against aviation emissions!"
6. "We must impose a tax to limit flying."
7. "An aviation tax would not affect the business and the economy - the plane to Paris will always go to Paris, even if the price is higher."
8. "The flights are subsidized, because aviation fuel is not being taxed."
9. "The Arlanda emission ceilings are good for reducing greenhouse gases."
10. "A large part of air travel is unnecessary."