How do you make decisions around travel and its significant environmental impact? How do you balance the joys and learning of travel with awareness of its negative impacts?
Hey Ryan -- That is a great point and a very important topic. It's impossible to overlook the impact of travel, and at least for me, I've come to understand that it's not an "all or none" game -- there is going to be negative environmental impact each time I go somewhere.
I used to buy offsets, and still do on occassion for flights, but I've since switched to making a monthly contribution to Climeworks, which is developing carbon removal technology. This seems like a more effective "offset" even if that carbon isn't removed until years down the line.
Also, I think it's important to note that the global understanding that comes from travel builds compassion and can prompt individuals to be more apt to care about conservation. Several years ago I interviewed Jeremy Jones, the pro snowboarder who founded Protect Our Winters, and he said something that has stuck with me ever since:
"It’s very tough to gain that perspective from your hometown, and we need that one-world perspective more than ever. It’s all hands on deck right now. Responsible travel is important."
I co-wrote a piece about this topic a couple years back that explains my line of thought in more detail:
It's nice to hear your voice emphasizing how this is not an "all or none" situation, and I agree with what you said earlier in the piece about environmentalism sometimes taking that stance. One phrase I like is (from Leah Stokes, I think) "hypocrisy is the price of admission to the conversation." It's always going to be possible for the vegan to shame the vegetarian, who shames the typical person, who shames the carnivore. And the vegan gets shamed by the raw vegan etc.... it's not a productive cycle!
Generally, I agree with your perspective on travel, and I like Jones's sentiment. I still have a hard time with justifying trips purely for pleasure to, say, NYC to go clubbing but I can get behind traveling to COP26 or to school to study climate change.
Couldn't agree more with that last point Ryan. Though I admit to caving on occassion - Im heading out on a snowboard trip right now, for example. Hopefully the carbon offset isn't totally worthless.
Very interesting and informative Tim.
I admire your commitment and follow through! Of course, Alisha’s as well, since this is a partnership commitment.
How do you make decisions around travel and its significant environmental impact? How do you balance the joys and learning of travel with awareness of its negative impacts?
Hey Ryan -- That is a great point and a very important topic. It's impossible to overlook the impact of travel, and at least for me, I've come to understand that it's not an "all or none" game -- there is going to be negative environmental impact each time I go somewhere.
I used to buy offsets, and still do on occassion for flights, but I've since switched to making a monthly contribution to Climeworks, which is developing carbon removal technology. This seems like a more effective "offset" even if that carbon isn't removed until years down the line.
Also, I think it's important to note that the global understanding that comes from travel builds compassion and can prompt individuals to be more apt to care about conservation. Several years ago I interviewed Jeremy Jones, the pro snowboarder who founded Protect Our Winters, and he said something that has stuck with me ever since:
"It’s very tough to gain that perspective from your hometown, and we need that one-world perspective more than ever. It’s all hands on deck right now. Responsible travel is important."
I co-wrote a piece about this topic a couple years back that explains my line of thought in more detail:
https://matadornetwork.com/read/resolution-travel-save-planet/
It's nice to hear your voice emphasizing how this is not an "all or none" situation, and I agree with what you said earlier in the piece about environmentalism sometimes taking that stance. One phrase I like is (from Leah Stokes, I think) "hypocrisy is the price of admission to the conversation." It's always going to be possible for the vegan to shame the vegetarian, who shames the typical person, who shames the carnivore. And the vegan gets shamed by the raw vegan etc.... it's not a productive cycle!
Generally, I agree with your perspective on travel, and I like Jones's sentiment. I still have a hard time with justifying trips purely for pleasure to, say, NYC to go clubbing but I can get behind traveling to COP26 or to school to study climate change.
Couldn't agree more with that last point Ryan. Though I admit to caving on occassion - Im heading out on a snowboard trip right now, for example. Hopefully the carbon offset isn't totally worthless.