Getting There Greener

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) analysis indicates that motor coaches and trains are generally the lowest-emission travel options, while first-class flights and large SUVs produce the highest carbon footprints. The guide emphasizes that the greenest choice depends on the number of travelers and the distance of the trip; for example, while solo travelers are encouraged to avoid cars, cars become a low-carbon option for larger groups. To further reduce emissions, the document recommends nonstop flights, fuel-efficient rental cars, and avoiding peak traffic periods.

• Motor coaches and trains are consistently identified as the lowest-emission travel options, particularly for trips under 500 miles, regardless of whether the traveler is alone, with a partner, or with a family.
• The highest carbon footprints are typically associated with flying first class and driving inefficient SUVs, whether the driver is alone or with others.
• For solo travelers and couples, nonstop economy flights are generally more carbon-efficient than driving a typical passenger vehicle, especially for trips exceeding 500 miles.
• Automobiles become a low-carbon option when used for larger groups, as the per-person carbon footprint decreases as more passengers occupy the vehicle.
• Air travel emissions can be significantly reduced by choosing nonstop flights over connecting ones; for instance, a 1,000-mile nonstop flight from New York City to Orlando can save nearly 35 percent of emissions compared to a flight with two connections.
• Vehicle efficiency and traffic conditions heavily impact carbon output; emissions from a large, inefficient SUV are nearly four times those of a hybrid like the Toyota Prius, and fuel consumption can double when a vehicle is stuck in traffic.

APA

Union of Concerned Scientists (2008). Getting There Greener. https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2019-10/greentravel_slick_opt_web.pdf

Chicago

Union of Concerned Scientists. Getting There Greener. 2008. https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2019-10/greentravel_slick_opt_web.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Union of Concerned Scientists |title=Getting There Greener |date=2008 |url=https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2019-10/greentravel_slick_opt_web.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{unionofconcernedscientists2008getting, author = {{Union of Concerned Scientists}}, title = {{Getting There Greener}}, institution = {Union of Concerned Scientists}, year = {2008}, url = {https://www.ucs.org/sites/default/files/2019-10/greentravel_slick_opt_web.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }