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Wings for change

Explore aviation’s environmental impact and debate solutions for a greener future.

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You’ll need

  • Pens or pencils
  • A4 paper
  • Device with access to the internet (optional)

Before you begin 

  • Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Take a look at our guidance to help you carry out your risk assessment, including examples. 
  • Make sure all young people and adults involved in the activity know how to take part safely.
  • Make sure you’ll have enough adult helpers. You may need some parents and carers to help. 

Planning and setting up this activity 

  • You could shorten this activity by sharing the debate topics and team assignments ahead of time.
  • If providing websites, articles or videos ensure they are trusted sources to help teams find accurate information. 
  • Consider assigning a moderator to keep time and manage the flow, and a note-taker or judge to record key points. 

Running this activity 

  1. Begin by gathering everyone together and ask them the following questions:
    • How much do you know about aircraft?
    • How do you think aircraft impact the environment?
    • How do you think climate change has affected flights or aviation?
  2. Let everyone have a brief discussion and share their thoughts.
  3. After the discussion, hand out some scrap paper and pens and let them know they’re going to take part in a true or false quiz.
  4. Young people can choose to complete the quiz on their own, in pairs or as a team. 

Quiz (True or False)

  1. A single long-haul flight produces more CO₂ than the average person drives in a whole year.
  2. Aeroplanes only contribute a tiny fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions, so their impact is negligible.
  3. Contrails (the white trails behind planes) can contribute to climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere.
  4. Noise pollution from airports only affects the people living within a 1-mile radius.
  5. Biofuels are a potential way to reduce the carbon emissions from aircraft.
  6. Climate change has no effect on flight schedules or airport operations.
  7. Rising temperatures can reduce aircraft performance, making takeoffs more difficult.
  8. Increased storms and extreme weather due to climate change can cause more flight delays and cancellations.
  9. Sea level rise could threaten airports located near the coast. 
  10. Airlines have already stopped researching new ways to make flying more environmentally friendly because climate change doesn’t affect them.
  1. A single long-haul flight produces more CO₂ than the average person drives in a whole year.
    • True - A round-trip flight from London to New York can emit around 1.6 tonnes of CO₂ per passenger — roughly the same as driving a car for an entire year! (Greenmatch)
  2. Aeroplanes only contribute a tiny fraction of global greenhouse gas emissions, so their impact is negligible.
    • False - While planes contribute about 2-3% of global CO₂ emissions, their overall impact is higher when considering other effects like contrails and high-altitude emissions.(Our world data)
  3. Contrails (the white trails behind planes) can contribute to climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere.
    • True - Contrails can form clouds that trap heat, potentially doubling the warming effect caused by airplane CO₂ emissions. (Imperial)
  4. Noise pollution from airports only affects the people living within a 1-mile radius.
  5. Biofuels are a potential way to reduce the carbon emissions from aircraft.
    • True - Sustainable aviation fuels made from plants or waste can cut lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel. (ATAG)
  6. Climate change has no effect on flight schedules or airport operations.
    • False - Extreme weather events like storms, heatwaves, and fog caused by climate change are increasingly disrupting flights worldwide.(Climate central)
  7. Rising temperatures can reduce aircraft performance, making take-offs more difficult.
    • True - Hotter air is less dense, which means aircraft engines and wings are less efficient, requiring longer runways for takeoff. (World Meteorological Organisation)
  8. Increased storms and extreme weather due to climate change can cause more flight delays and cancellations.
    • True - Airports and airlines face growing challenges from stronger storms and unpredictable weather, leading to safety risks and delays. (Euro Control)
  9. Sea level rise could threaten airports located near the coast.
    • True - Many major airports are near coastlines and low-lying areas, making them vulnerable to flooding and storm surges. (prevention web)
  10. Airlines have already stopped researching new ways to make flying more environmentally friendly because climate change doesn’t affect them.
    1. False - The aviation industry is investing heavily in new technology, fuels, and operational changes to reduce its environmental impact. (Airbus - Sustainable fuel)

Debate: The Future of Flying and the Environment

  1. Split the group into two to four teams and assign each team one of the following debate topics:
    • Topic 1: Limit Air Travel: Aviation is too damaging to the planet and should be heavily restricted, even if it limits global travel.
    • Topic 2: Sustainable Progress: The aviation industry is making enough progress to become sustainable.
    • Topic 3: Behaviour changes: Technology alone can’t fix aviation’s climate impact, behaviour changes are also needed.
    • Topic 4: Focus on Carbon Offsets: Flying will always be necessary, so we should focus on carbon offsets only.
  2. Give teams time to research their topic using trusted sources or what they already know.
  3. The aim is to persuade the audience to vote in favour of their side. Each of the above topics suggests ways to support a greener world, but to make the debate more interesting you could have one team debate against being green. 
  4. The most convincing team wins based on how well they explain, defend, and argue their position.
  5. Encourage each team to:
    • Develop clear and strong arguments
    • Anticipate counterpoints from other teams
    • Prepare a 3–4 minute speech presenting their main ideas

Running the debate

  1. Each team should take it in turns to present their prepared speech (3–4 minutes)
  2. Teams then take turns responding to each other’s points
    • Listen carefully to what other teams say
    • Choose 1 or 2 key points to respond to
    • Clearly state your disagreement and explain why
    • Try to use facts, examples, or logical reasoning to back up your response
    • Keep it respectful challenge the argument, not the person
    • Responses should be short and focused — around 1–2 minutes each
    • No interrupting each team takes turns
  3. Allow time for questions from the audience or judges
  4. Teams should respond clearly, using evidence where possible

Voting and Reflections

  1. Once all teams have spoken and answered questions, hold a vote.
  2. The audience (or judges) vote for the team they found most persuasive.
  3. Follow this with a discussion on the key points raised about aviation and its relationship with climate change, including environmental impacts, future developments, and the responsibilities we all share in creating a more sustainable future. Consider the role young people can play in influencing behaviour, shaping policy, and driving innovation in the aviation industry.

Core Argument:

Flying causes serious harm to the environment, not just from CO₂ but also from other gases and the clouds (contrails) that planes leave behind. In the UK, aviation makes up around 7% of our total emissions, and it’s growing quickly. While cleaner fuels and aircraft are being developed, they won’t be ready in time to stop the damage. If we want to protect the planet, we need to fly less, especially for short trips or non-essential holidays that could be done another way.

Supporting Points:

  • Aviation contributes around 7% of the UK’s emissions, and it’s one of the fastest-growing sources.
  • Planes release more than just CO₂, contrails and nitrogen oxides also warm the planet.
  • New technology (like electric or hydrogen planes) won’t be widely available for decades.
  • Many flights are not essential, especially short-haul leisure trips.

Counterpoints to Expect:

  • Planes are getting greener and tech will fix this soon.
  • We can offset flights by planting trees.
  • Some people need to fly and it’s not fair to stop them.

Core Argument:

Airlines and engineers are already working hard to reduce the environmental impact of flying. In the UK, the government has a Jet Zero strategy to make flying net zero by 2050. Planes are becoming more fuel-efficient, and some already use Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) made from things like used cooking oil. New electric and hydrogen planes are also being tested. Instead of cutting back on flying now, we should support these new technologies and give them time to work.

Supporting Points:

  • The UK’s Jet Zero Strategy sets a clear goal: net zero emissions from aviation by 2050.
  • Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is already being used on some flights.
  • Planes today are around 70% more fuel-efficient than they were 50 years ago.
  • New electric and hydrogen-powered planes are being developed and tested for short trips.
  • Offsetting schemes (like tree planting or investing in clean energy) are improving in quality and reliability.

Counterpoints to Expect:

  • The tech won’t be ready soon enough and we need to reduce flights now.
  • SAFs are still very rare and expensive.
  • Offsetting doesn’t always work or deliver real results.

Core Argument:

Even though cleaner fuels and better planes are being developed, they won’t be ready quickly enough to stop climate change. We also need to think about how often we fly and whether we really need to. Not every flight is essential, some could be replaced by trains, or skipped completely. To make a real difference, we need both new technology and changes in behaviour. That means flying less when we can.

Supporting Points:

  • New technology takes time — but we can reduce emissions right now by flying less.
  • Many flights are optional, like short trips or luxury holidays.
  • Public campaigns work. Movements like Flygskam (“flight shame”) in Sweden have encouraged people to choose trains instead of planes.
  • We need both solutions: using tech and changing habits will make the biggest difference together.
  • It’s fairer. Most flights are taken by frequent flyers who are often wealthier, they should be the ones to cut back first.

Counterpoints to Expect:

  • Not everyone can just stop flying. Some travel is essential.
  • Technology will fix it eventually, so people don’t need to worry.
  • It’s not realistic to expect people to change how they travel.

Core Argument:

Some people will always need to fly for work, family, emergencies, or important global connections. Instead of trying to stop people from flying, we should focus on balancing out the emissions. This is called carbon offsetting it means planting trees, restoring nature, or funding clean energy projects to cancel out the pollution from flying. Not everyone can stop flying, so let’s take responsibility for the damage and fix it where we can.

Supporting Points:

  • Not all flights can be avoided, some people need to fly for important reasons.
  • Carbon offsetting is improving, it can help restore forests or support wind and solar energy.
  • Flying has social and economic value, it connects people and countries.
  • Offsets are a practical and fast way to reduce the impact of flying.
  • People can still help the planet without giving up flying completely.

Counterpoints to Expect:

  • Offsetting doesn’t cancel emissions immediately.
  • Many offset schemes aren’t properly checked.
  • Flying less is better than flying and offsetting.
  • “I see your point, but I disagree because…” 
  •  “That’s interesting, however, the data shows that…” 
  •  “You mentioned X, but you didn’t consider that…” 
  •  “While that might be true in some cases, it doesn’t address…” 
  •  “I understand what you’re saying, but I think it’s important to also consider…” 
  •  “That argument overlooks the fact that…” 
  •  “Actually, recent studies suggest…” 

Reflection

This activity was all about understanding the relationship between aviation and the environment. Were you surprised by how flying impacts climate change or by the solutions the industry is exploring? Did your views change after hearing different teams’ arguments?

This activity also helped develop teamwork and communication skills. How did your team work together to build strong arguments? Did listening to others help you see the issue from new perspectives? How did you make sure everyone had a chance to contribute? 

Safety

All activities must be safely managed. You must complete a thorough risk assessment and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Always get approval for the activity, and have suitable supervision and an InTouch process.

You must run your activities in line with the Safeguarding Code of Conduct for Adults (Yellow Card) and report any concerns to the UK HQ Safeguarding Team.

Online safety

Supervise young people when they’re online and give them advice about staying safe. Take a look at our online safety or bullying guidance. The NSPCC offers more advice and guidance, too. If you want to know more about specific social networks and games, Childnet has information and safety tips for apps. You can also report anything that’s worried you online to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command. As always, if you’ve got concerns about a young person’s welfare, including their online experiences, follow the Yellow Card to make a report.

  • To make it easier, teams can use notes or look up facts during the debate to support their arguments.
  • The topics are designed to directly counter each other, but young people are welcome to choose their own topics or focus on more specific issues if they prefer.
  • Start with warm-up discussions in pairs or small groups to help participants build comfort before speaking to the whole group.
  • Some people may not like to talk in front of an audience, so you could ensure that all groups include multiple roles like note-taker, researcher, or visual aid designer,  their contribution still shapes the team’s message.
  • Some participants may find loud noises or busy environments overwhelming, so providing a quiet space or breakout zone where they can take a sensory break can help them stay comfortable.
  • Some people may need information presented in clear and structured ways, so share the activity plan and expectations in advance, including timing and the order of events.
  • Ensure that the seating and space arrangement is accessible to wheelchairs or mobility aids so everyone can participate comfortably

All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.

Air Activities Stage 5

If you enjoyed this activity, why not try one of our other air activities such as Control surface cargo