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What's green and flies? An eco-hypocrite who won't stay grounded, say researchers
Last updated at 23:52pm on 30.08.07They recycle obsessively, insist on real nappies and compost every scrap of organic vegetable peeling and used Fair Trade teabag - and they're not slow to tell you about it.
But when it comes to sacrificing their jaunts to Tuscany and weekend breaks in Prague, it seems that even the most pious of green crusaders waver in their zeal for saving the planet.
A study by Exeter University has unearthed the phenomenon of supposedly environmentally-friendly Britons who refuse to give up low-cost flying despite the damage to the planet.
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Sienna Miller and Chris Martin preach the importance of being 'green', but when it comes down to it they have no intention to fly less and are eco-hypocrites
The authors of the study say this "eco-hypocrisy" shows how difficult it will be for governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by urging people to cut down on air-travel.
Environmental campaigners argue that cheap short-haul flights have fuelled a massive hike in carbon emissions over the past few years.
Although pollution from flights accounts for just 7 per cent of the UK's total greenhouse gas output, the figure is predicted to reach 25 per cent over the next few decades.
Celebrities in particular are criticised for struggling to reconcile their well-meaning efforts to develop green credentials and the demands of the modern world.
Only last week, Sienna Miller admitted she "can't avoid flying" as she toured the world promoting climate change awareness.
And the actress isn't the only one. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who uses his lyrics to urge environmental responsibility, flies home between gigs while George Clooney - who drives a low-emissions Tango car - also uses private jets.
The latest findings on eco-hypocrisy were presented at the Royal Geographical Society yesterday.
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Despite eco-campaigners urging us to think about climate change, it seems many of them won't stop taking carbon-heavy flights around the globe
The researchers carried out in-depth interviews with members of the public last year, ranging from climate change cynics to those who believed they were dedicated environmentalists.
Professor Gareth Shaw, a co-author of the study, said: "These people were not occasional environmentalists - they almost defined their lifestyles by being committed to environmental causes.
"There is currently a big debate going on about sustainable tourism - and this perhaps shows that that debate hasn't yet stretched to the public.
"There seems to be a gap between sustainable behaviour in the home, and sustainable behaviour on holidays."
Dr Stewart Barr, who led the focus group study, said that although the study was based on only 64 people, the findings reflected a widespread trend among those professing to be green-friendly.
"Most of the committed environmentalists said they still travelled by low- cost travel, even though they realised it was problematic," he said. "But they couldn't see a way around it.
"We were surprised because we thought that people would transfer their attitudes towards environmentalism in the home to their holidays, but the difference was more stark than we had imagined.
"The UK's addiction to cheap flights looks hard to break."
Reader views (9)
It is unreasonable to ban flights. However I for one would not object to being restricted to two return flights per year as a non-business flyer.
To ignore climate change or rail about the nanny state is tantamount to re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. Climate change is happening regardless of how we feel about it and we've all seen the weather evidence of that.
- Anon, Oxford
It's very easy to point the finger at people who's actions apparently contradict their words. But we must not lose sight of the real issue: climate change and how we are going to combat it. Never mind a few millionaires - it's up to us ordinary folk in our millions to modify our behaviour - and fast!
- Terry Roll, London
I just wish these celebrities would stop preaching to us! I also like the picture of the plane, just in case we forgot what one looked like, since we have all stopped using them.
- John, London
Not flying doesn't "save the world" and we shouldn't be held to ransom by these hypocritical nutters or the Chancellor of the Extraction.
What happened to global warming this summer? Oh yes, it's now called climate change, a neat catch - all term for the witch doctors to bandy about.
- Frank H., London
The worst offenders for air travel are business leaders of multi-national corporations. They travel several times a week to different countries while the rest of us feel guilty about our annual holiday somewhere hot.
- Jill, London
I agree with the trains comment. I would happily take trains up and down the UK if they were reliable and most importantly, cheaper. Currently you have to take out a second mortgage to fund a train ticket to Scotland. It's no wonder that domestic flights within the UK are becoming increasingly popular - they're quicker, more reliable and usually cheaper than the rubbish train services we continue to suffer in this country
- Headhunter, London
A case of the old adage 'do as I say not as I do'.
- Heather, Essex, England
No point saving a world you can't travel in.
- Hobbs, London, UK
We need faster trains.
I fly back to the UK a couple of times a year. If there were more, efficient and convenient, train networks heading towards Northern Europe, I'd consider a change.
- Mark, Helsingborg, Sweden
