The degrowth movement, which advocates for reducing production and consumption to ensure ecological sustainability, presents a unique challenge and opportunity for industries, particularly aviation. With air travel contributing significantly to global carbon emissions, there’s a growing debate about how the aviation sector can align with sustainability goals while still meeting the demands of modern society. This article explores the implications of degrowth for the aviation industry and how it might reshape air travel in a way that is both environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.

The degrowth movement

At its core, the degrowth movement challenges the traditional paradigm of perpetual economic growth. It advocates for a shift away from consumerism, focusing on sustainability, well-being, and the equitable distribution of resources. Proponents of degrowth argue that infinite growth is incompatible with a planet with finite resources, and they call for a reimagining of economies that prioritize environmental health over economic expansion.

This philosophy can be particularly challenging for industries that are intrinsically linked to growth, such as aviation. Air travel has experienced exponential growth in recent decades, driven by increasing demand for both business and leisure travel. However, this growth has come at a significant environmental cost, with aviation accounting for around 1-2% of global carbon emissions according to Statista. As the global community faces the growing impacts of climate change, the question arises: can air travel continue to grow, or is it time to rethink how we approach air transportation in the context of environmental sustainability?

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has set ambitious goals to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, but this target depends heavily on technological innovations such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and carbon offsetting. Despite these efforts, the sheer scale of air travel makes achieving these goals extremely difficult, especially considering the projected growth in global air traffic.

Can aviation align with degrowth principles?

While technological innovations like electric aircraft, SAF, and carbon capture are important, they alone may not be enough to align aviation with degrowth principles. The key question is whether aviation can reduce its overall scale and intensity while still providing essential services.

Rethinking air travel demand

One potential avenue for aligning aviation with degrowth is by rethinking the demand for air travel itself. According to degrowth proponents, the overemphasis on air travel as a symbol of progress and global connectivity contributes to unsustainable consumption patterns. Encouraging alternative modes of transportation, such as high-speed rail or regional travel, could reduce the need for short-haul flights, which are often the most carbon-intensive. 

Reducing demand for unnecessary flights could also be achieved by promoting “slow travel” a movement that encourages people to take more time in getting from one place to another. By prioritizing longer, more meaningful travel experiences over quick getaways, the pressure on aviation could be eased, helping to curb its environmental impact.

Transitioning to sustainable aviation tech

The other side of the degrowth debate within aviation is the role of technological advancements. Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), which are made from renewable resources like plant oils and waste products, are seen as a key solution for reducing aviation’s carbon emissions. According to Neste, SAF can reduce emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel, and numerous airlines are already exploring its use. However, SAF production is limited, and scaling it up to meet global aviation demands remains a challenge. Electric and hybrid-electric aircraft are also promising innovations, particularly for short-haul flights. However, the infrastructure for electric flight is still in its infancy, and the industry will require substantial investment to bring these technologies to market.

The role of policy and regulation

For aviation to align with degrowth principles, strong government intervention will be necessary. This could involve imposing limits on the number of flights allowed within certain regions or taxing air travel in a way that reflects its environmental cost. A “flight cap” system, where the total number of flights or total aviation emissions are capped, could help reduce demand and force airlines to become more efficient and sustainable in their operations.

Governments could also invest in alternatives to air travel, such as high-speed rail networks or the development of hyperloop technology, which could provide a sustainable alternative for long-distance travel. In many regions, the infrastructure for rail travel is already in place, and expanding high-speed rail networks could serve as a viable option for reducing aviation demand.

Ultimately, aligning aviation with the principles of degrowth requires a paradigm shift in how we view air travel. It’s about moving away from the notion of constant growth and instead focusing on creating a sustainable and equitable transportation system. This may involve limiting air travel to essential flights, shifting to more sustainable modes of transport for regional travel, and embracing emerging technologies that reduce aviation’s environmental footprint.

While the aviation industry is unlikely to completely align with degrowth principles in the near future, it’s crucial that the sector begins to rethink its growth trajectory. By focusing on reducing demand, improving sustainability through technological innovation, and adopting supportive policies, aviation can move toward a future that is more in harmony with the planet’s ecological limits.