A conversation

Sep 14, 2021 0 3

I don't worry about it too much. We all use more carbon than we should in some ways, and hopefully less than others. Aviation, including cargo, accounts for about 2.5% of global CO2 emissions. My leisure travel (usually undersold planes) is a pretty miniscule driver in that small percentage, but is a primary driver of joy and value in my life.

It's awkward to say "it's worth destroying the planet in some small way so that I can enjoy it while I'm here", but I guess it's the truth. I do drive an electric car and run my house off of solar, and am considering buying some carbon offsets to compensate for travel.

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MoMo Sep 14, 2021

I applaud you for answering this question in a levelheaded way.

Every action you take as a human is detrimental to the environment. Each activity could be replaced with a more eco-friendly alternative. If you follow them to a logical conclusion you do nothing.

Why own a car? Public transportation is best!

But wait, public transportation burns fossil fuels, you should instead only use a bike.

Oh no, bikes use parts manufactured and shipped from all over the world, why not walk?

Walking wears out shoes instead go barefoot.

I can't walk barefoot today because it's cold/hot or my feet are damaged. Let's just just do nothing today.

Really what Daan is asking is "Why did you make a decision that I wouldn't have made?". It's not very productive or interesting question. Also that train of thinking would likely lead to a life that wasn't very interesting.

Codd the Topp Sep 17, 2021

What a strange thing to say! Almost willful blindness. Some of our choices certainly have better impacts than others. Yes you can always criticise, but to go to the opposite extreme means we would just go around killing and slaughtering all the time...

Pablo Sep 19, 2021

Yes, but you have to look at your individual carbon footprint, not just the industry's footprint or your percentage contribution to the industry's footprint.

Your individual contribution to carbon emissions on that single flight is far greater than the carbon emissions you will save by using an electric car and using solar for an entire year.

You could make the case that the flight would have flown regardless, with or without you, but by buying a ticket you increased demand, which has an impact on the airline offering more flights.