Beyond Flying: Rethinking air travel in a globally connected world

This book is written in the first-hand voice of people who have chosen to fly lessor not at all for environmental reasons, specifically the harmful effect of airplanetravel on the atmosphere. I was impressed at how interesting the accounts were, whichcovered the topic of when they decided to curtail flying, the experience of the alternatives,bus, train or boat, and some of the bigger-picture questions of how important or not long distancetravel is to quality of life. Some of the people focus on business travel, others leisure and family, butthey are reflective, interesting mini-biographies with very little overlap among the accounts.

Aimed at the environmentally conscious reader. Unfortunately I believe the average flying person would dismiss this book as unimportant despite the benefits we would all have from following the advice within its pages.

Every activist who works to persuade governments to act on climate, who posts on Facebook or Twitter about climate change should read this book. Comperhending the huge social pressure to fly, the embarrassment and even anger associated with reactions to a person who has chosen for climate reasons to travel by train, bus or ferry brought it home to me. I tried to stop flying some years ago but found the family and friend pressure just too hard to cope with. I didn't want to inconvenience them so I forgot about it. Besides, I argued, I am getting older and slow travel might not be so suitable. It is so much quicker by air.So it seems to me this book, written not just by Chris Watson, but with contributions from Tom Bennion, Susan Krumdiek and many others, is not just about the facts about one long-distance flight cancelling out all the savings you make by taking public transport rather than driving, but about the human side of taking a stand and letting things fall where they might. There is so much societal pressure to fly. It is unspoken largely, it is subtle – but it is huge. Fly for pleasure, for tourism, for work and then of course there are the love miles to see family. "Yes we need to do something about climate change but my personal choices must be untouched."Those who justify flying to sustainability conferences round the world of course argue their case is special as their cause is so worthy. I've done that. I have justified flying that way. But these environmental professionals in architecture, law and engineering resist the temptation of air miles and resist offsetting their emissions are to be admired. They are ploughing the furrows of real change. I am humbled by their devotion and conviction.Our lives have to change and I guess it's time to work out the shape of our new world.

A very thought-provoking and stimulating book about the benefits and pleasures of travelling and communicating globally without the need for aircraft. Excellent articles by some very gifted and accessible writers.

A good read.