Sustainable transport

The most sustainable way to travel is the train.  Moreover, the train offers the advantage that it brings you inside the city and offers some time to do what you have no time to do otherwise such as reading the most recent book by your favourite author. Unfortunately, train connections may not always be available. Think of reserving long in advance.

The bus is another option.  It generates more carbon dioxide than a train but since it is collective transport it is still less of a problem.

If you must choose between flying and driving, the most sustainable option will depend on the distance you have to travel. For example, for a distance such as Paris to Marseille (800 km) one passenger travelling alone by car will emit about 89 kg of carbon dioxide as opposed to 97 kg if he or she takes a plane.  The plane is particularly carbon emitting when it takes off and when it lands, so beyond a certain distance opting for the plane is a more sustainable choice than opting to drive if you are alone. Of course, if you are several in the car you divide the total of emissions by the number of passengers.

If you decide to take either your car or the plane, you can compensate for your carbon emissions by contributing financially to initiatives whose aim is to reduce the greenhouse effect.  Such initiatives can be, for example, replanting trees to re-create tropical forests, or equipping poor peasants with solar energy to reduce the unsustainable exploitation of wood. Moreover compensating for carbon emissions contributes to the public awareness of the urgency of climate change and shows that citizens are ready to take steps to contribute to a more sustainable future.

You can compensate for your carbon emissions at the web site listed below.  It is very easy, quick and safe. And you'll be surprised it may very well be less costly than you expect.  If we all do small, the result will be very big.

French and English

http://www.actioncarbone.org

This site is supported by the ADEME, Association pour la Défense de l'Environnement et la Maîtrise de l'Energie (Association for Environmental Protection and Sustainable use of Energy).