A climate researcher was recently dismissed from his position at a German think tank for his refusal to fly back to Europe on short notice. Gianluca Grimalda, a social scientist at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, had been avoiding air travel for the past 10 years, opting for lower carbon methods of transportation whenever possible. Despite his commitment to reduce his carbon footprint, Grimalda was fired after declining to fly back to Europe for environmental reasons.
Grimalda embarked on a research trip to Papua New Guinea in February, traveling via a combination of cargo ship, ferry, train, and bus. This alternative method of travel took him 35 days, significantly longer than the two-day journey by plane. Throughout his trip, Grimalda shared updates on social media, highlighting the reduction in CO2 emissions achieved through his “slow travel” approach. While his slow travel plans had previously been supported by his employer, he was abruptly told to return within five days or face termination.
Commercial air travel is a major contributor to carbon emissions and climate change. Grimalda estimates that a plane would emit approximately 5.3 tons of carbon dioxide per passenger, compared to just 420 kilograms emitted during his slow travel journey. Despite global efforts to reduce carbon emissions from aviation, the transition to renewable energy sources has been slow.
The Kiel Institute declined to comment on personnel matters but stated that it had previously supported Grimalda’s slow travel plans. The dismissal of Grimalda highlights the ongoing challenges faced by individuals who prioritize sustainable practices in their professional lives.
Grimalda intends to appeal the decision to fire him, emphasizing the importance of personal choices in shifting the dialogue around carbon emissions. He believes that by raising awareness about the impact of personal carbon emissions and advocating for radical action, his sacrifice of losing his job will be worthwhile.
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