Counting Carbs
March 29, 2007
A 300-mile journey: planes, trains, or automobiles?
This is the subject of a recent blogpost on New Scientist.
How do you decide? What factors enter into your decision-making process? For most of us, cost is a factor, but let’s assume the difference is negligible. Obviously, time is also a factor. The trip takes a little over an hour by plane, and between 6-8 hours by train or car. The difference is significant, especially if your time is valuable (who’s isn’t?). Considering only these factors, the decision is an easy one.
Is the decision actually this simple? Or do other factors carry weight in the process? How about global warming? The plane (even if all tickets are sold) emits far more GHG per person than either alternative. Does the climate change problem concern you enough to sacrifice some comfort?
If you answered no (shame on you) you’re not alone. Greenpeace offered ticketed-travelers flying from London to Newquay (about 280 miles) free train tickets. One person out of fifty-one accepted the offer…and this is in the UK! Wasn’t Al Gore’s movie released over there?
