What is Flight Shaming Movement? Rethinking Air Travel for a Greener Future
What is Flight Shaming Movement? Rethinking Air Travel for a Greener Future
Originating in Sweden, the ‘flight shaming’ movement urges people to reconsider air travel due to its high environmental cost.
The term ‘Flight Shaming’ refers to the growing sense of guilt or social disapproval associated with flying due to its significant contribution to carbon emissions. Known in Swedish as “Flygskam”, the concept first emerged in Sweden in 2017 as an environmental campaign highlighting the ecological impact of frequent air travel.
This movement gained momentum when environmental activist Greta Thunberg and her parents publicly endorsed the idea. Greta chose to travel across Europe by train instead of taking flights, setting a powerful example that inspired many to reconsider their travel habits. Her actions intensified global awareness about the environmental cost of aviation and encouraged individuals to adopt more sustainable alternatives.
Air travel is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. A single international flight can emit hundreds of kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO₂) per passenger, making it one of the most carbon-intensive modes of transport. This contributes significantly to global warming and climate change.
The flight shaming movement aims to create awareness and encourage individuals to reduce their carbon footprint by limiting air travel. Instead, the campaign promotes sustainable travel options such as:
- Choosing trains or buses over flights whenever possible
- Practicing carpooling or using shared transport to reduce the number of vehicles on the road
- Opting for virtual meetings and online communication tools to eliminate the need for physical travel
Though the movement originated in Europe, its influence has now spread worldwide, urging governments, corporations, and individuals to take responsibility for their travel choices. Several European countries have already begun promoting rail travel and imposing environmental levies on flights.
In summary, Flight Shaming is not about blaming individuals but about raising consciousness. It invites society to align daily decisions like how we travel, with the urgent need to protect the planet from climate crisis.
