Taking a Low-Carbon Vacation

  • Train travel is one option that is lower-carbon than driving a car (Photo by Shawn Allee)

As a lot of people think about escaping to someplace warmer, one environmental group wants people to think about greenhouse gases. Lester Graham reports the impact is different depending on whether you choose plane, train or automobile:

Transcript

As a lot of people think about escaping to someplace warmer, one environmental group wants people to think about greenhouse gases. Lester Graham reports the impact is different depending on whether you choose plane, train or automobile:

The Union of Concerned Scientists has put together a summary of “traveling green” choices.


The group found the best option is a touring bus. The greenhouse gases emitted per passenger are about 15 percent of the amount of one person in a car.


Amtrak, about 50 percent of the carbon footprint of a car.


Jim Kliesch is a senior analyst with the Union of Concerned Scientists. He says sometimes even flying is better than a car.


“For solo and couples traveling, flying can actually be a fairly decent option when it comes to carbon footprint. However passengers should be sure to fly coach and to fly direct.”


And if you’ve got four passengers… a car can be an option. But if you’ve got a gas guzzler in your garage, the group suggests you rent a fuel efficient car for your trip.


For the Environment Report, this is
Lester Graham.

Related Links