When is Air Travel Justified?
Posted on Mar 28th, 2006
by 
Maile
Maile
I may have the opportunity to travel to China in a few months (the specific location and time is yet undecided), and my consideration of whether or not to go has drawn up many questions. Among them: how can an environmentalist fly in good conscience?
Travel to other countries and experience of other cultures certainly seems to have value. At the very least, such travel is good for individuals (we humans thrive on novelty), but it must also be true that travel leads to knowledge, and knowledge leads to understanding and cooperation.
Not that I was planning a military assault on China any time soon. Still, there's no denying the environmental impact of air travel, especially when compared to my usual practices of walking, taking public transit, trying to buy local, etc. And my trip to China is unlikely to create positive change on any large scale.
But there are many beautiful things in China, much to see and learn that I could not get from simply reading a book. If I find these things, if I experience them, am I justified in going?
Travel to other countries and experience of other cultures certainly seems to have value. At the very least, such travel is good for individuals (we humans thrive on novelty), but it must also be true that travel leads to knowledge, and knowledge leads to understanding and cooperation.
Not that I was planning a military assault on China any time soon. Still, there's no denying the environmental impact of air travel, especially when compared to my usual practices of walking, taking public transit, trying to buy local, etc. And my trip to China is unlikely to create positive change on any large scale.
But there are many beautiful things in China, much to see and learn that I could not get from simply reading a book. If I find these things, if I experience them, am I justified in going?
Access: Public
china
June 2006 
I would take any excuse to travel the world and expand my worldy consciousness. There is something about meeting different people, breathing different air, and eating different foods that brings you closer to the World. However, if you feel so bad about flying, consider this.
Oh! I had heard about this a while back and forgotten it. Thank you, Obi.
Wow, great idea with the green tags, never knew about that. Could be your way to go!
Really though, in my opinion travel is always worth it. Experience will help you understand a whole different culture! How much more positive influence is there than coming back with the knowledge to help people understand?
Either way, though, supporting corporations aside… In my mind, the plane will go there with or without you on it.
One of my goals is to always keep learning, and travelling certainly serves that end. I can't live and serve the environment perfectly, and I want to live so I have to pick my battles.
Of course, this may all be moot if the trip falls through. I'll post an update, probably within the next month or so.