France Takes Bold Step in Fight Against Climate Change by Banning Short-Haul Flights

France has officially banned domestic short-haul flights for journeys where train alternatives are in place in a bid to cut carbon emissions. The ban only applies to commercial flights and private jets are reportedly unaffected. To qualify for the ban, there must be a high-speed rail service between the start and end destinations that takes less than 2 1/2 hours. Critics claim that the 2 1/2-hour stipulations and a small number of affected routes make the ban largely symbolic.