We need to talk about climate change

why not reduce intentional travel for all- tourists first, politicians and then researchers and academicians! we can cut drastically on carbon costs!!

With the increasing 'realism' of online conferencing, that seems a good way to go. I first presented at a virtual conference in 2003, and even though that was only text based, the discussion was think and fast. Think what we can do now. We also should be researching cleaner air travel. Great strides have been made in cleaning up car engines. Use technology wisely to become more environmentally friendly, rather than stop doing things that are useful or pleasurable (politicians fall into neither category, they can be banned from flying immediately!).

One issue is that Universities tend to ask you to take the cheapest form of travel - air (even within the UK) can be cheaper from Scotland -esp if you factor in the fact you'll need an extra night's accommodation in your destination (or the sleeper) if you take the train. Should travel depts start to value green over cost?

Very thoughtful. Will tech solve the issue or exacerbate it? What about the impact of large-scale data centres for cloud computing? What about the emissions produced by the mass of computers on desks? What about the constant requirement of Microsoft and Apple to upgrade hardware (sorry, I'm a Linux user redeploying ancient hardware - call that 'virtue signalling' if you wish)? Finally, how you produce the power to maintain all these tech activities matters. Yes, however, air flights are an issue for those still in academic employment.

Air travel - and travel by conventional cars - are a major concern. However, there is also a problem of alienation in the virtual world. We do need human contact and exchange and that's what academic conferences offer which can not be replicated by a virtual appearance. Its not the paper or the panel but all those conversations with old and new scholars - and indeed publishers - held over meals, coffee and drinks that are often so important. Academics are great participants in our global society and help to break down Barries to creating an open society - conferences are one way we do this. We do need to create discreet fund to off-set our carbon footprint. Perhaps the THE could initiate one?