GabyScientists have calculated that Chris Rea’s journey, which inspired the popular 1986 song “Driving Home For Christmas,” caused 44 kg of carbon emissions.
However, according to a team from the University of Sheffield, the renowned songwriter and performer could reduce this carbon footprint by as much as 88 percent if he traveled by train. In that case, CO₂ emissions would be only 5 kg.
The Song as a Catalyst for Research
Scientists encouraged the artist to reconsider that legendary Christmas trip. Perhaps even write a new hit about a more eco-friendly journey, reported Daily Mail.
The focus of the study was a trip by a 1978 Austin Mini car owned by the singer’s wife. This is the trip described in the song, considered one of the best Christmas-themed hits worldwide.
“Driving Home For Christmas” is a short song-road movie dedicated to the joy of an imminent reunion with loved ones. Chris Rea’s real trip covered a distance of 241 miles (about 388 km) from London’s Abbey Road studio to his hometown Middlesbrough in North Yorkshire, England.
Recalling the trip that inspired the song, Chris Rea said his wife suggested driving to Middlesbrough in her car to save money.
The song’s lyrics came to the singer while the car was stuck in a long traffic jam. “We kept standing still, and I looked at other drivers who were just as miserable,” Chris Rea recalled. That’s when he started humming: “I’m driving home for Christmas…”
Additional Findings from the Researchers
The new study showed that Chris Rea could cut his carbon footprint by 88 percent if he traveled to Middlesbrough by train.
Since the song’s release, emissions from both cars and trains have dropped by about 80 percent. But rail travel remains a greener mode of transport, noted Dr. Stuart Walker, who led the study.
His team calculated average carbon dioxide emissions produced during the 241-mile trip using various transport types.
Scientists reported that traveling the same route in the singer’s new Mini electric car would emit no more than 11 kg of CO₂. In general, modern electric vehicles can reduce emissions to about 8 kg.
However, the train remains unrivaled in environmental friendliness for this distance. Rail travel would cause carbon emissions no greater than 5 kg.
The team also calculated CO₂ emissions for some other favorite cars of Chris, including a Ferrari (148 kg) and a tiny Fiat 500 (37 kg). But none could compete with the train, said Dr. Walker.
According to the researchers, emissions from rail transport will decrease even further in the future.
“This will be facilitated by electrification of lines and gradual emission reductions, as more and more electricity is produced from renewable energy sources,” added Stuart Walker.
