Travel is something we all experience at some point—whether it's a quick getaway to recharge, a trip to visit loved ones, or frequent travel for work. For many, air travel is a regular occurrence. On average, Americans fly at least 1.5 times a year (round trip counts as one trip), and this trend is only growing. In August 2024, U.S. Airline Traffic Data showed a 4.5% increase in flight traffic compared to the previous year. In Eagle County, our local airport, Eagle County Regional Airport, has seen consistent year over year growth in passengers and flights. Between 2023 and 2024, EGE saw an increase of 24.83% in passengers. As air travel demand continues to rise, the aviation industry’s impact on air pollution—both locally and globally—becomes a more urgent issue.
As a whole, the air transportation industry is struggling to meet the demands of their customers while addressing the justified scrutiny of the industry's environmental impact and need for innovation. There is debate that decarbonization solutions are not available, too complex to implement without specialized skills, or too expensive. One option that is used is Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which offers up to an 80% reduction in lifecycle carbon emissions in comparison to traditional jet fuel. However, SAF costs 4 to 10 times more than traditional jet fuel, and currently consists of only 1% of fuel consumed on average.
Some airlines opt to balance their emissions through carbon neutrality vs decarbonization. Research indicated that 46% of airlines choose to pay more for carbon neutrality and the incorporation of sustainable practices rather than focusing on the direct reduction of emissions caused by aviation. While these efforts do not go unappreciated, it does not change the emission output.
While aviation pollution is a complex issue, it would be unrealistic to suggest skipping a trip to visit family or avoiding a dream vacation. But where is the balance between living fully and being accountable for our environmental impact? Rather, as a community, let’s call for awareness of our own aviation footprint and make adjustments when possible. For example, a flight from Eagle County to Denver produces 94 pounds of carbon dioxide per passenger, which is the equivalent of burning 47.8 pounds of coal. It may be a bit of an adjustment, but when possible, flying directly to Eagle County Regional Airport from your starting point, instead of connecting through Denver, is more sustainable. If that's not possible, taking a bus from Denver International Airport to Eagle County is more environmentally friendly than connecting through Denver.
Eagle County is a popular travel destination, and as much as we do our part to be a sustainable destination, transportation alone made up 45.27% of Eagle County’s emissions in 2023. Of that total, 9.13% came from aviation. Much of our aviation and transportation emissions come not only from locals, but from visitors. Tourists who visit our community often purchase rental cars and hotel stays—contributing to even more local emissions. Hotels pose their own complexities in terms of their contribution to total emissions as the number varies drastically based on location, occupancy, waste management, and more. To paint you a picture of what these emissions look like, it is estimated that a hypothetical 4-star hotel in Eagle County with 35 rooms occupied will emit roughly 0.8535 MtCO2e in one night. This is equivalent to driving 2,173 miles in one night. Now, consider the accumulation of that number over the course of a year. As a whole, tourism is responsible for 8% of global carbon emissions.
It can seem daunting to consider sustainability while traveling, but the most important step is awareness. When planning your trip or expecting visitors, use this Colorado carbon footprint calculator to estimate the environmental impact of your journey. Take time to research sustainable transportation options at your destination, such as walking routes, bike rentals, or public transit schedules. As you may know, Core Transit offers free fare on most routes around Eagle County. If you have friends or family visiting, share the bus schedule with them. It'll make ski trips a breeze by eliminating the stress of parking! Additionally, when looking for lodging for yourself or guests, consider staying at an Actively Green Certified Business, such as an East West Hospitality property, Poste Montane in Beaver Creek, The Westin in Avon, and Lion Square Lodge in Vail.
Aviation emissions go beyond just passenger flights and tourism; they also affect how we shop. Online retailers like Amazon and Shein rely on air transportation for deliveries. As of June 2024, air freight operators have increased their greenhouse gas emissions by 25% compared to 2019. In 2023 alone, air freight trips increased by 30%, resulting in 300,000 more flights than in 2019. Air freight produces an average of 80% more emissions than shipping by land or sea, making it the most carbon-intensive form of transportation.
Here in Eagle County, we can help by shopping locally when possible, instead of opting for the convenience of online shopping. The environmental impact of shipping items that could be sourced locally is significant. It’s not just the flights—it’s the emissions from last-mile delivery as well. The greenhouse gas emissions from this last-mile delivery are equivalent to the annual CO2 emissions (over 65 million tonnes) of 17 coal-fired power plants in the U.S. While advocating for parcel carriers to switch to electric fleets is important, we also need to do our part by sourcing locally. Given our mountainous location and distance from larger cities, the emissions from last-mile deliveries in our area are especially impactful.
Ultimately, every decision we make matters—from how we commute to work, to where we stay on vacation, and whether we order from Amazon or shop at a local store. We encourage you to be mindful of your choices and find a balance between living sustainably and enjoying life to the fullest.
Chantel Recksiedler is the Climate Action Collaborative Coordinator. The Climate Action Collaborative is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Eagle County 50% by 2030 and 80% by 2050.
