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Aviation Greenwashing Fact Sheet - Synthetic Electro-fuels

Provided by: Stay Grounded |Published on: April 27, 2021

Scientific Reports

9101112

Synopsis

This fact sheet debunks common greenwashing techniques in the aviation industry related to synthetic electro-fuels.

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Subjects: Science, Economics

Authors: Stay Grounded

Region: Global

Languages: English

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Teaching Materials

Positives

This is a relatively new technology, so many students will be learning about it for the first time.
The two infographics bring the data to life.

Prerequisites

Synthetic electro-fuels face similar problems as electric flight and hydrogen flight. This process simply uses too much electricity that could be used to decarbonize other sectors like transportation and buildings.
This is part of a series of greenwashing fact sheets from Stay Grounded.
Stay Grounded is a Europe-based network of groups aiming to reduce emissions from aviation.

Differentiation & Implementation

In English class, students could research different airlines like United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Qantas, Emirates, Southwest, or EasyJet. Groups of students could review their marketing materials related to synthetic electro-fuels to see if the companies are greenwashing or not.
Science classes could read and discuss this fact sheet after learning about the Fischer-Tropsch process.
You could also share this video that explains greenwashing and how to see through greenwashing.
Other greenwashing fact sheets from Stay Grounded include efficiency improvements, electric flight, hydrogen flight, and biofuels.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format

About the Partner Provider

Stay Grounded

Stay Grounded is a people-powered, science-based, and action-oriented network for more than 180 member initiatives around the world. The network fosters mutual support and exchange of experiences, and campaigns for a reduction of aviation and its negative impacts, as well as against problematic climate strategies like offsetting emissions and biofuels. It develops materials and background information on multiple topics around the climate impact and injustice of aviation.

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All resources can be used for your educational purposes with proper attribution to the content provider.