Story perspectives

Experts Urge Staycations as Rail Replaces Air Travel

12/13/2025

50 8

Summary

Story summary

As Australia enters summer, experts say staycations or local holidays are most sustainable.
Aviation accounts for about 2.5% of global CO2 emissions, with takeoff and landing the most carbon-intensive phases.
Critics, including Professor Andrew Macintosh, argue airline offsets are ineffective and urge reducing emissions through travel choices.
The International Energy Agency predicts rail will replace air travel, with Denmark aiming for fossil fuel-free domestic flights by 2030.

1 of 1

Story summary

As Australia enters summer, experts say staycations or local holidays are most sustainable.
Aviation accounts for about 2.5% of global CO2 emissions, with takeoff and landing the most carbon-intensive phases.
Critics, including Professor Andrew Macintosh, argue airline offsets are ineffective and urge reducing emissions through travel choices.
The International Energy Agency predicts rail will replace air travel, with Denmark aiming for fossil fuel-free domestic flights by 2030.