SubscribeArchive for June, 2007
Flybe’s responsible flying?
Monday, June 11th, 2007Flybe have launched a series of broadsheet advertisements in the UK claiming to be leading the way in ‘responsible low cost flying’. But can ‘responsible low cost flying’ really exist?
Flybe don’t offer a definition of what ‘responsible low cost flying’ might be, but we can infer from their advertisements that this entails five things:
Applying a [...]
Emissions from China, India and developing nations
Friday, June 1st, 2007Q. But what about China and India? They are increasing emissions all the time, so why should we make pointless sacrifices?
A. Even those developing nations which are achieving high levels of economic growth still have a much lower level of emissions, per person, than the rich countries. Countries like China, India and Brazil do have [...]
Offsetting emissions
Friday, June 1st, 2007Pledging is a powerful personal commitment and a pledge not to fly raises lots of questions, one of the most commonly raised is whether ‘offsetting’ is a meaningful alternative to avoiding flying?
Q. Is it OK to fly if I offset emissions caused by each plane trip I take?
A. At a time when we know that [...]
Family overseas?
Friday, June 1st, 2007Q.I need to see my family overseas, so isn’t that different?
A. This is the toughest problem when deciding to take a pledge not to fly. You can decide today that you’ll be free from flying on holiday again, and look forward to finding new ways of getting abroad, or to discovering new places at home. [...]
When flying is the only option
Friday, June 1st, 2007 Q. Surely it’s reasonable to fly if it’s the only way I can get there?
A. If there is no way of making your trip without flying, ask yourself whether you really ‘have’ to make the trip at all.
If it’s a business trip that you’re making, perhaps you should consider whether your meeting can be [...]
Flying is so much cheaper
Friday, June 1st, 2007Q. It’s much quicker and cheaper to fly, how else can I afford to have a fun holiday in the sun?
A. Eating junk food is quicker, easier and cheaper. But living on junk food doesn’t do much to contribute to our quality of life…
Take the pledge not to fly and rediscover the pleasure of traveling [...]
Can a few people make a difference?
Friday, June 1st, 2007Q. It makes no difference when everyone else continues to fly, so is there any point?
A. All social change starts with a few pioneers. At the beginning, these people are in a minority. But the sooner you act the more influence you have. Rather than waiting until flying has become socially unacceptable, why not be [...]