The invisible half of the aviation problem

Contrails cause more global warming than all the CO₂ from flights combined. The solution is surprisingly simple – it’s just not being implemented.

Understand the problem See the solution

The problem

We all know those white streaks in the sky.

When airplanes fly through cold, humid air, contrails form. Sounds harmless. But about 2% of these trails spread into artificial cirrus clouds. These clouds let sunlight through—but trap heat radiation. The effect: they warm our planet.

• Two-thirds of aviation’s climate impact doesn’t come from CO₂ but from non-CO₂ effects – mainly contrails.
• Contrails account for about 2% of total human-caused global warming – more than all aviation CO₂ emissions combined.

The solution

Surprisingly simple. Frustratingly obvious.

Only a small number of flights create the majority of warming contrails. And the solution isn’t rocket science.

• Using weather data and satellite imagery, it’s possible to precisely predict where contrails will form. Google Research and contrails.org are already working on this.
• Only about 2% of flights would need to fly roughly 600 meters higher or lower. That’s a routine altitude adjustment in commercial aviation.
• This could eliminate up to 80% of contrail-related warming – cutting aviation’s total climate impact by around 40%.

What does it cost? In a single number:

~$1 to $5 per ticket.

By the way: The extra fuel consumption is about 1% – and only for those few flights that need to adjust their route.

An interdisciplinary challenge

There is no single industry that will determine whether aviation can operate without contrails in the near future. Solving this problem requires an interdisciplinary approach.

Our content

We investigated and asked questions. Three videos, one petition, and many hours of research. Here’s the result – clear, honest, and with sources:

🎥 Video · Part 1

Contrails: The underestimated climate problem. Why the white lines in the sky cause more warming than all the jet fuel – and what can be done about it.

Video Tuesday, 4. Nov 2025

Die verrückt einfache Methode, Flüge halb so klimaschädlich zu machen

Kondensstreifen heizen die Erde stärker auf als du denkst. Dabei könnten Airlines sie sehr einfach umfliegen – für unter 5 Euro pro Ticket. … zum Video

Zum Video

🎥 Video · Part 2

What airlines don’t tell you. We spoke with a flight planner who told us some shocking things. This video reveals what’s really happening behind the scenes.

Video Thursday, 27. Nov 2025

Kondensstreifen könnten morgen verschwinden – aber Airlines wollen einfach nicht

Flugplaner Raimund Zopp erklärt, warum Kondensstreifen ab morgen verschwinden könnten – und welche Mechanismen in der Industrie das verhindern. … zum Video

Zum Video

🎥 Video · Part 3

The solution is already on the table. Real-world tests are underway – with TUI, American Airlines, and Google Research. Time for our first petition.

Video Tuesday, 16. Dec 2025

Unsere erste Petition

Wir starten unsere erste Petition. Nicht, weil wir die Lufthansa ärgern wollen. Sondern weil wir glauben, dass hier riesige Chancen verspielt werden. … zum Video

Zum Video

Get involved

The technology exists, the costs are minimal. What’s missing is political will – and public pressure. Airlines like Lufthansa are actively lobbying against EU regulations for contrail avoidance.

With your signature, you’re calling on the EU and the aviation industry to finally implement a simple and effective measure.

We are…

… a 5-person team with a mission: To lead courageously and put changemakers in the spotlight. For a healthy planet and a good life for all plants, animals, and people. We also work:

• Non-profit (gGmbH): No commercial interests, no hidden agenda
• Transparent: Our funding comes from donations and in 2026 we’ll publish our first common good report
• Practice-oriented: We test ourselves (e.g. heat pumps) and report honestly
• Community-driven: Over 3 years of content treasure that wouldn’t exist without you

Join the movement

Contrail avoidance is the fastest and most cost-effective measure to drastically reduce the climate impact of aviation. Help spread the word!

1️⃣ Sign the petition

Please take a minute and sign our petition to Lufthansa

Lufthansa, we need to talk! →

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