In Sweden, a single word has ignited a global conversation around personal responsibility and climate action. "Flygskam," translating to "flight shame" encapsulates the discomfort or guilt felt by individuals who choose to travel by air, acutely aware of its outsized contribution to carbon emissions. Originating in the late 2010s, flygskam has grown from a niche Scandinavian movement to a global phenomenon, one that underscores a shift in how we think about personal choices in the face of a planetary crisis.
Aviation accounts for roughly 2-3% of global CO2 emissions, a figure that may seem modest until we consider the disproportionate impact of frequent fliers. A well-circulated study revealed that just 1% of the world’s population is responsible for more than half of aviation emissions. This disparity sparked a reckoning. Activists and public figures, including Olympic athlete Björn Ferry and Greta Thunberg, who famously sailed across the Atlantic rather than flying out, helped propel flygskam into the global lexicon. The movement encourages travelers to reflect on their choices and consider alternatives like trains, buses, or even "staycations."
In a hopeful turn of events, airlines are responding. Many are shifting toward Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Lufthansa is one of the largest consumers of SAF globally. Several others, like Delta, Virgin Atlantic and Vistara, the first Indian airline to use SAF on a commercial domestic flight, are following suit. Companies like electra.aero are working on electric-powered aircraft, while advancements in high-efficiency engines and fleet optimization are helping reduce emissions per passenger. Carbon credits remain part of the solution as the industry transitions. However, it’s essential to invest in verified and high-quality credits that continually take carbon out of the air, as opposed to offsets that simply promote carbon reductions.
For many of us, choosing between speed and sustainability is a privilege we cannot afford. Business commitments, urgent family matters, and time-sensitive responsibilities often make air travel a necessity rather than a choice. The reality is that travel, especially flying, has made the world smaller, allowing us to gain experience into the lives of those across the world from us. This connectivity can foster empathy, helping us move away from "othering" and toward collective action on global challenges.
The question remains, how can we preserve our sense of connection while embracing flygskam? For starters, by flying only when necessary. For frequent flyers, cutting a single flight per quarter makes a sizable difference. Exploring alternatives, like trains, buses, or virtual meetings, is another good way to find a happy medium. When flying is essential, we can support airlines investing in SAF and fleet optimization. Investing in verified carbon offsets is another impactful means to reduce the impact of your journeys.
Perhaps most importantly, we must work to normalize climate-conscious travel choices, just as "tågskryt" ("train bragging") has emerged, how can we create a culture around "green bragging"? Whether it’s taking a train, choosing a low-emission airline, or simply skipping a flight, celebrating climate-smart choices can encourage others to do the same.
The challenge before us is not simply about avoiding flights but rethinking the way we move through the world. Can we prioritize both connection and sustainability? The true triumph of human ingenuity is not just in how fast we move, but in how wisely we choose to do so.
