But this figure should be interpreted with caution. The decrease in CO2e compared with 2024 is due to the conversion factor for CO2e per passenger-kilometre having been adjusted downwards (among other things linked to higher load factors). When we instead look at flight distance, the picture is different: January 2026 amounts to about 5.3 laps around the Earth. To be in line with a halving, we would have needed to be around 2.4 laps.
The figures are based on trips booked via Lund University’s contracted travel agency. Lund University’s travel policy (Staff Pages) emphasises that we should always consider travel-free alternatives and choose fossil-free modes of transport first. Unfortunately, that call to action is not enough to change our travel behaviour and the associated emissions at the pace needed..
The project “Big steps for a smaller footprint” (the Research Portal) (led at the department by Emma Kritzberg and Erik Selander) tests ways of working that can make it easier to opt out of flying without losing important collaborations. Before your next trip: try participating digitally when it works, choose the train when it is reasonable, and plan so that fewer trips are needed.