Terran Fielder
Media Specialist, EARTHDAY.ORG
Air travel didn’t always get attention for its negative climate impact. In fact, for decades, emissions were minimal.
Things changed in the late 1930s when commercial planes allowed more people to fly and cargo planes became common, then jet planes came in the 1960s, and deregulation in 1978 stopped the government from controlling airlines’ prices and routes, allowing more airlines to compete and reducing airfare costs. Suddenly everyone was in the air and aviation waste and carbon emissions skyrocketed. Today, aviation produces roughly 2–2.5% of global carbon dioxide and about 4% of human-caused warming.
A stark reality is that in much of Canada, flying is essential. From northern communities to cross-country business routes, aviation keeps the nation connected. The challenge we seek to mitigate isn’t whether Canadians will fly; it’s how to make those flights cleaner and smarter.
Put Your Emissions Where Your Engines Are
One thing we don’t talk about enough is how much progress is being made. Modern aircrafts are about 70% more fuel-efficient than they were 40 years ago, and over the past decade we have found ways to make planes 20% more efficient.
Many Canadian airlines are also taking big steps to reduce their emissions. For instance, Air Canada is aiming to cut 20% of emissions from flights and 30% from airport operations by 2030, as they pursue the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. They are putting their money where their mouth is, with a $50 million fund supporting cleaner aircraft, carbon reduction strategies, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF); a lower-carbon alternative that can cut emissions by up to 80%.
The hurdle? SAF still makes up less than 1% of global jet fuel, so scaling it will take more investment and infrastructure.
Fueling Change on the Tarmac
Canada’s airports are stepping up, too. Operators are upgrading heating and cooling systems to be energy efficient, swapping diesel vehicles for electric ones, recycling construction materials, and using safer firefighting foams that no longer contain PFAS; “forever chemicals” that can build up in our bodies and are linked to a plethora of health issues. Twenty Canadian airports are participating in international carbon accreditation programs, measuring emissions, reporting publicly, and taking action to reduce their footprint.
Passenger Power
The people who make planes and airports are trying to help, but they cannot do it alone. That’s where consumers have power. Choosing non-stop flights, flying economy, packing lighter, or combining trips sends clear signals to airlines and policymakers that we value less emissions and waste in our air travel.
That’s why the 2026 Earth Day theme from EARTHDAY.ORG is “Our Power, Our Planet,” a reminder that environmental progress can be made when people work together.
Aviation keeps Canada connected, and Canadians can help make those connections cleaner and smarter, one decision at a time.
Learn more at EARTHDAY.ORG.
