102 kilograms of emissions. The equivalent of heating up an electric sauna nine times (https://www.openco2.net/en/co2-converter) or operating a refrigerator for an entire year are emissions saved by flying direct to South Korea. 435 kg of CO2 emissions are released compared to 537 kg for a non-direct flight (https://www.icao.int/environmental-protection/CarbonOffset/Pages/default.aspx); but why does travelling non-direct produce 20% more emissions? Thats the continuous take-offs and landings — the real ‘culprits’; one of the numerous issues steering our planets failure to meet the UN’s Sustainability Goals.
The UN’s damning report for 2025 (https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2025/) estimates only a third of the 17 goals will reach the targets set out in 2015. The lack of urgency from world leaders to implement these changes have already and will continue to harm the planet for decades to come unless we take action as individuals.
As part of my commitment to environmental sustainability, I have taken several steps to reduce my carbon footprint during my mobility year. While long-distance air travel is unavoidable due to the considerable distance between the UK and Korea, mindful changes have minimised impact on the environment. Admittance to the on-campus dormitories rather than private accommodation reduces public/private transport dependancy for daily commutes.
Opportunities to learn about Korean culture and traditions requires travelling around the country – this invites the idealistic response of ‘I will walk everywhere I can!’ I am realistic; not idealistic and recognise this is not possible – sustainable travel should be our preferred travel method without significant inconvenience to ourselves. Where public transport cannot be used, car-sharing private transport will be considered – reducing emissions and supporting local economic infrastructure; a minor but notable contribution where declining GDP has been of concern for Korea recently (2.9%, 2022: 1.5%, 2023, https://unstats.un.org/sdgs/report/2025).
Behaviour changes matter. Greendex 2014 highlights increased compliance to engage in environmental practice when cost-effectiveness and convenience is considered (https://globescan.com/2014/09/26/greendex-2014-consumer-choice-and-the-environment-a-worldwide-tracking-survey-full-report/). Being an advocate for a ‘greener’ lifestyle in Korea, where awareness is clear however behavioural change lags (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crsust.2023.100211) provides opportunity to suggest changes in daily routine which when combined can cause significant impact.
Supporting direct flights increases demand on aviation companies to potentially re-evaluate and reduce non-direct routes pushing towards a sustainable future. The industry contributes a eye-watering 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The 2024 Emissions Gap Report issued an increased quota to reach target (https://unepccc.org/emissions-gap-reports/) and thereby its more crucial than ever to re-evaluate the carbon ‘culprits’ before failure. The result of failure? Climate change. Its accelerating fast and is already damaging the UN’s goals in food security, health and poverty.
Advocating that I will lead the perfect ‘green’ lifestyle is comparable to expressing I will never eat chocolate again – unrealistic. But I do promise to lead a ‘greener’ lifestyle highlighted by this proposal with confidence to encourage others to join the movement.
