South Korea Jamboree raises questions about travel

Should young people be banned from travelling? Does anyone need to travel in the days of Zoom?

There is a letter in today's Guardian claiming that 4,500 scouts from the UK should not have flown for more than 11 hours to a jamboree in South Korea, creating thousands of tons of CO2 emissions, because modern technology now allows plenty of (remote) contact with people around the world.

I disagree. Real contact with foreign nations not only enriches the individuals but should be seen as a major investment in understanding and appreciation of others, leading to cooperation and long-term peace. It is how ideas are generated and shared.

However, it is a dilemma, nonetheless. The atmosphere cannot handle that carbon dioxide.

I, too, face that dilemma.

I have sold my car, I eat very little meat, I have planted trees and, by turning down the thermostat in a well insulated house, was able to make a cash profit on my fuel bills last winter.

But my business takes me to South East Asia and the Middle East. When there, I teach good governance - including climate governance - and harangue my students about their carbon economies.

Is my travel justified? Do my good habits at home compensate for the impact of flying?

I do not think they do. If something is worth doing, it is worth doing - but not as greenwashing.

I have run courses on Zoom and I sell courses on video. But they are not the same as being there, walking, talking and interacting. And they deny the additional benefit of what I bring back to the UK as a result of real experiences.

I am not alone facing this dilemma.

What do you think?