I asked chatgpt for a summary:

The text discusses the carbon footprint of different modes of transport: planes, trains, and automobiles. The ranking of these methods in terms of their carbon footprint from lowest to highest is as follows:

1. Automobiles (specifically, carpooling with an electric vehicle): This method emerged as the least emission-intensive travel option for the journey, with emissions for each traveler in the electric vehicle being just over 18% of the equivalent emissions from a direct flight and 25% of the emissions from the predominantly diesel-powered train journey.

2. Trains (specifically, Amtrak trains, especially electric ones in the Northeast Corridor): Trains are generally a more eco-friendly option, especially when they are electric. Electric trains in the Northeast Corridor produce significantly fewer emissions than diesel trains, making them a better choice for the environment.

3. Planes: Surprisingly, in the context of this specific journey, flying had a higher carbon footprint compared to the other options, even though it covered a shorter distance. This was due to the absence of jet contrails and their associated water vapor emissions when traveling by train or car, which offset the higher CO2 emissions of flying. However, this may not be the case for all flights, as factors like the season, time of day, and flight load factor also play a role in emission effects.

It’s important to note that the ranking can vary depending on factors such as the specific route, the type of vehicle or train used, and the energy source for electric transportation. Additionally, the text emphasizes the need for improvements in train infrastructure and the transition to cleaner energy sources to further reduce emissions from train travel.