Private jet emissions quadrupled during Davos 2022
GuardianMAY 2023
While this is just a first step toward ending unnecessary carbon emissions, France should be lauded for its decision to ban short-haul flights, as every other rich nation is still too reluctant. Small conveniences like frivolously short air travel aren't worth pumping tons of CO2 into the air. Finally, some lawmakers have digested the reality of climate change and passed concrete legislation to save the planet.
As only 4% of European flights are less than 500km (310 miles) in duration, this ban will cut carbon by an irrelevant fraction. The law also blatantly violates the freedom of movement agreement between EU member states, which allows airlines to provide flights between any point in the region. Now, those companies and their employees will be out of work due to lawmakers seeking political points.