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Here's a question that might make you feel a wee bit uncomfortable: Does a commitment to living local mean an end to air travel?

First class

For the last couple of weeks I have been pondering, with a little discomfort I admit, the question of taking to the air. The key issue is: can I claim to be environmentally conscious while continuing to fly? You may have heard people proclaiming to bemused friends and family that, for environmental reasons, they have committed to reducing or even banishing air travel from their lives. 'Really, never get on a plane again!'
These people are definitely not the majority. ABS figures show that on average half a million Aussies leave the continent, for short-term travel, every month. We are indeed a nation of globetrotters. It could even be said to be a defining cultural trait.
However, the harsh reality is that from an environmental perspective our preference for air travel is less than desirable. The stats are that a return trip to Europe pours as much C02 (approximately 9-11 tones per passenger) into the atmosphere as the average car does over 1-2 years.
This means a whole year of carbon consciousness can be undone by a single return trip to London, Paris or Berlin. Gulp!
But the dilemma deepens; because plane travel is only available to the world's wealthier inhabitants – which means most Australians – and is so carbon intensive, the question to fly or not to fly becomes one of social equity.
SO HERE'S THE BIG QUESTION: would a commitment to staying home, in your state or within the borders of our great continent, really be so bad? Would we feel an acute deprivation?
What may at first seem like a rough deal may in fact be a great opportunity. The climate crisis may provide the impetus for Australians to take the time to discover our own back-yard. After all, millions of foreign tourists flock to our shores every year to experience our exquisite landscapes and unique culture.
But travel is not just about seeking out beautiful landscapes. It is about building political and business relationships, family reunions and cultural discovery.