US, July 22 -- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is right about one thing: if airlines provide carbon emissions data to passengers, it should be accurate, transparent, and based on a global standard.

Few people would argue against that.

But the real question isn't whether the numbers should be standardized. The question is whether the growing emphasis on carbon calculators, offsets, and "green choices" actually changes the environmental impact of travel-or simply creates another revenue stream while making consumers feel better about flying.

As both a consumer and someone who has spent decades in the travel industry, I have struggled to understand this.

Paying More Doesn't Make My Flight Greener When booking a flight...