Climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe reflects on flying, fossil fuels, and the tension between personal responsibility and systemic change in a warming world.
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Flying is the hardest one. Most other individual carbon emissions can be avoided or greatly reduced with some planning and effort these days. But unless you live somewhere that has really developed HSR flying is the only really viable method for long-distance travel. Even more so if you need to cross an ocean.
My whole family which I rarely see is gathering soon and my guilt over taking an unnecessary flight and my guilt at not spending time with my family are at war. Haven’t come to any decision yet.
@LibertyLizard
Moderation is key.
Fly to get someplace, but don’t just get on a plane to try the food.
Gather with family, don’t jet out for a 20 minute meeting that could have been an email.
Normal travelers are a drop in a bucket compared to the corporate flyers.
Flying is the hardest one. Most other individual carbon emissions can be avoided or greatly reduced with some planning and effort these days. But unless you live somewhere that has really developed HSR flying is the only really viable method for long-distance travel. Even more so if you need to cross an ocean.
My whole family which I rarely see is gathering soon and my guilt over taking an unnecessary flight and my guilt at not spending time with my family are at war. Haven’t come to any decision yet.
@LibertyLizard
Moderation is key.
Fly to get someplace, but don’t just get on a plane to try the food.
Gather with family, don’t jet out for a 20 minute meeting that could have been an email.
Normal travelers are a drop in a bucket compared to the corporate flyers.
I guess so… but when the bucket is overflowing that drop still feels significant.