Lately, I’ve found myself torn between wanderlust and concern about global warming. I want so badly to see the world, but I don’t want to harm it — especially since we’re terrifyingly close to the point of no return.
As much as I might wish otherwise, it seems pretty clear that air travel is unsustainable. It’s unlikely that airplanes will become more efficient in the near future, and carbon offsets aren’t particularly helpful in reducing emissions–they might even make it worse by encouraging people to fly more. Luckily, though, air travel is not the only way to see the world.
One alternative is traveling by ship. There’s even some evidence that ships have a cooling effect on the atmosphere due to aerosol pollution (which is still, unfortunately, pollution).
It is possible, although expensive and slow, to travel by cargo ship. If there were increased demand for cargo ship travel, and perhaps some kind of government backing, it could become cheaper and more accessible.
Speaking of ships, one of my friends went on a Semester at Sea voyage last year and loved it–like, life-changing-level loved it. I’m jealous, and would love to go on an SAS enrichment voyage someday. If this aerosol cooling effect thing is true, maybe my time on the ship would even cancel out my flights to and from the beginning and end points of the cruise.
However, there’s still the issue of time–or the lack thereof, since there’s no legally guaranteed vacation time in the US, and the amount of employer-given vacation time is much less than in Europe. With the amount of time USians currently spend working, there’s no way we could make the switch to slower, more sustainable forms of travel.
Which is another reason to push for more vacation time–in addition to the improved health and reduced stress it would bring. It’s even been suggested that the European model of work can slow global warming.
Honestly, I doubt the US will ever adopt the European model (as much as I wish we would). But it’s worth talking about, especially as an inspiration for the growing economies of the developing world.
It’s important to note that Europeans still fly quite a bit, even though they have good rail systems and a good amount of vacation time. So switching to slower, more sustainable forms of travel would involve not only adequate vacation time and available alternatives, but also a cultural shift. It would mean an alliance between travel junkies and environmental activists. It would mean making boats cool again, whatever that takes. It would mean standing up and shouting from the rooftops: “We care about the planet, and we want to see the world. Let’s make this possible.“
Laura wants to both see and save the world. You can find her at Tutus and Tiny Hats, where she blogs about fat, fashion, and life.
. It’s an amazing life-changing book.)
I’m so very excited to share with you Trip Logic’s very first e-book: Favorite Places. Even better, it’s free (yes completely free – not even an email sign up needed to get it).
