Flying is just one of many examples of excesses from which the wealthy benefit at the expense of the most vulnerable. Fortunately, travelling doesn’t need to be put on hold until green aviation comes along. Given the acute need to tackle the climate crisis, and the ability to increase rail capacity using existing technologies and adding to existing infrastructure, train travel requires greater investment and support. Until then, and even in geographies where there are no sustainable travel options, flying must remain a luxury we forgo if we are serious about doing our part to tackle the climate crisis.

Travel is only one small, but significant and growing, part of mankind’s impact on the planet. In order to mitigate the impact of the climate crisis, we must start taking real action in all aspects of our lives possible. This includes sacrificing luxuries or paying more for them. Sustainable and ethical travel may come with its costs and disadvantages but as it is necessary that we immediately move away from our current models of holiday-making. This is a price that we must be willing to pay.