Aviation Greenwashing Fact Sheet - Synthetic Electro-fuels

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

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.

Additional 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

• 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.