Aviation Greenwashing Fact Sheet - Biofuels
Provided by: Stay Grounded|Published on: April 27, 2021|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12
Type: Scientific Reports
Subjects: Science, Economics
Authors: Stay Grounded
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This fact sheet debunks common greenwashing techniques in the aviation industry related to biofuels.
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This fact sheet is comprehensive and addresses all the false solutions outlined by the aviation industry.
- Two infographics bring the data to life.
- Teaching your students media literacy is one of the greatest gifts you can give them in this age of misinformation.
Prerequisites
- Biofuels are often called Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) by the aviation industry.
- One of the biggest reasons biofuels are not scalable is the land required to grow all of the crops, so you could have your students research other climate and environmental impacts from agriculture prior to using this resource.
- 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 material to see greenwashing and present their findings to the class.
- 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 synthetic electro-fuels.
The resource indicates the implication of sustainable biomass waste for aviation. Biofuels have been criticized over the years as the production process increases the application of herbicides and fertilizers, and contributes to water and environmental health risks. However, its application in the aviation industry could limit atmospheric CO2. This resource is recommended for students to explore and gain deep insights on this technology.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
