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I guess one of the most awkward barriers which would need to be overcome in this context is that, for many academics, the opportunity to travel (e.g. to conferences) is most welcome: "Yeeha, I'm going to France for four days!" Globally, tourism is very popular with those who can afford it and free tourism (paid for by your company/university/research project) is likely to remain one of the favourite types. Steven Steven Boyne [log in to unmask] Land Economy Research Group SAC (Scottish Agricultural College) West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG United Kingdom Web: http://www.sac.ac.uk/research/lee/about/ruraldevelopment/ +44 (0)131 535 4481 (tel) +44 (0)131 667 2601 (fax) +44 (0)7792 210 096 (mobile)_____________________________ -----Original Message----- From: A forum for critical and radical geographers [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Sophie Wynne-Jones Sent: 05 September 2007 10:13 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: geographers and air travel Hello all I am emailing with regards to a number of points that were raised at the IBG last week in relation to our responsiblities as geographers to reduce our air travel in the face of climate change. I was greatly concerned that a number of geographers feel unable to act in this regard despite a deep appreciation of the problems involved and the difficulties with carbon off-setting. As was noted in the 'Sustainablity -Post-mortem?' session, the reduction in air travel and subsequent up-take of video-conferencing as a possible alternative is something that has been embraced in many other professional areas, and I was wondering why, as such well informed academics, we are so slow to react in this area. I am not suggesting that this alternative should be enforced in any way, merely that the possibility could become available to those of us who do not wish to fly. Furthermore, I do not see that it would have to result in a reduction of networking opportunities. For example, would it be possible to have a British meet of the AAG, with interactive links to the sessions in Boston but also enabling some face to face meetings? Obviously this is not a perfect solution, but could it be a step in the right direction - and an alternative provision for individuals that wish to reduce their air travel. I would be interested to hear peoples thoughts and other ideas. Thanks Sophie Wynne-Jones -- - Scanned by iSheriff - -- Please don't print this e-mail unless you really need to. This e-mail message is confidential to the intended recipient at the email address to which it has been addressed. If the message has been received by you in error, it may not be disclosed to or used by anyone other than the intended addressee, nor may it be copied in any way. If it is not intended for you please inform us, immediately, then delete it from your system. If the content is not about the business of the organisation then the message is not from us nor is it sanctioned by us. Anything in this e-mail or its attachments which does not relate to SAC's or SAC Commercial’s official business is neither given nor endorsed by SAC or SAC Commercial. Scottish Agricultural College. A Charitable company limited by guarantee, SC003712. Registered in Scotland No 103046 - Registered Office: West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG