Lately I’ve been reading quite a few newspaper articles and blog posts about the environemntal impact of traveling, whether it be airplane exhaust or the effects on wildlife (for example in the Galapagos Islands).
After reading the Indie Travel Podcast’s review of Babs2Brisbane it got me wondering about your thoughts.
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I don’t think that you can help but be concerned by it. At the same time though people still want to see the wonders of the world whilst they are still there to see, especially the ones that are most threatened.
It’s an interesting dynamic between travelers and the environment since traveling directly effects the environment negatively in most cases. Especially since, (I’m guessing), most longer term travelers are an eco-conscious group.
The environment is a huge concern for me. It’s hard not to be concerned when you actually go and see the places that are the most impacted by the way our society exploits the environment…
At the same time, my opinion of things such as ‘eco-tourism’ and ‘carbon offsets’ is that they lull us into a false sense of security. They can give the impression that you are completely absolved from caring about the environment because, say, you paid $20 to a carbon offset.
I think it’s important to travel with knowledge of our ecological impact in mind. This way, we can minimize our impact, and yet understand that there IS a negative impact to what we do. What we need to do is make that negative impact count, and not wantonly spend it away as if it didn’t matter.
“I think it’s important to travel with knowledge of our ecological impact in mind. This way, we can minimize our impact, and yet understand that there IS a negative impact to what we do. What we need to do is make that negative impact count, and not wantonly spend it away as if it didn’t matter.”
That’s a great way of looking at it and well said. I also agree that carbon offsets and some of the other (and soon to be) marketed ‘eco-tourism’ gimmicks may lull consumers into a false sense of responsibility. There’s a lot of noise out there for people to cut through.
I agree with you that it’s almost like 2 sides of the coin. Most long-term travelers are probably the ones who are more aware about the impact of our existent to environments. I think even though traveling has direct impacted to environment, the knowledge we learn from traveling might help us to be better educated and in turn change our lifestyle to help offset those impacts.
I agree and you bring up a good point which makes me wonder what about more casual or business travelers. I’m curious if traveling has the same effect there.
I think the push is there though from travelers and growing.
A tough question indeed, Anil. One we all struggle with. I certianly don’t count kilometers to offset against some imaginary carbon/distance ratio, just like I don’t count calories in my food. However, I do believe we need to be cautious in our use of consumable resources, work to convince governments we would like our taxes to be spent on new fuel resources/technologies, and be as informed and active as we can make time to be.
I agree Craig, this problem requires action at a variety of levels. Like you said by being more efficient with what we have and working to develop renewable energy. I need to do some more research into what’s being done in the airline industry but I think there is a lot of room for improvement there.
great article on a legitimate topic for the travel community…
Thanks John – what are your thoughts about it?