[grsmvg]

I'm happy to return to the comment section here and see I'm not alone in my frustration over the author seeming to take pride in this crazy amount of air miles. Until that chart I really enjoyed scrolling through the page, seeing all the time and obsession the author put into this.

[basisword]

Why get frustrated over something like this? You’re seeing one data point on how the author lives their life. I see these kinds of comments more and more and can’t understand the need to judge someone else, without full information, based on your own personal standards.

[grsmvg]

You're right, there could be many reasons. But given the time we live in know it seems like something you don't want to wear with pride or without a disclaimer.

It's a fine balance between caring about stuff and wanting to raise awareness while also seeing other human beings for who they are, assuming good intent.

[basisword]

>> But given the time we live in know it seems like something you don't want to wear with pride or without a disclaimer

I disagree (although 'I fly lots' would be a strange thing to ever be 'proud' of imo, regardless of the climate issues). While we should all be mindful of our individual impact, asking people to restrict themselves personally (or shaming them) on such an important and positive freedom as being able to travel widely just sits wrongly with me.

There are much lower hanging fruit as regards climate change to tackle first at a much higher level (e.g. government, multi-national business). I feel our focus should be on that. If you want to make personal sacrifices that's noble but shaming others for not making the same sacrifices is petty and makes it seem like your reasons for making the sacrifices are for appearance rather than because you care. NB: I mean this more generally, it's not wholly directed at your specific comment which wasn't super judgemental.

[grsmvg]

I partially agree with that shaming strangers might not be a good way forward. But I also believe in some basic level of 'holding each other accountable'.

Maybe, besides political leaders and businesses, that should be limited to inner circle family and friends with whom you have a more complex relationship, and where there is a little bit more receptiveness towards critique. Even in that context it's probably better to just live the lifestyle yourself and hope they will follow.

On the other hand, if you put something out there, to be discussed publicly on HN, I don't feel obliged to only give positive feedback necessarily. Also, the author picked this up in a really nice way and has already added carbon stats to the page.

But man, it's so hard if you deeply care about something to keep your mouth shut. I don't know if you have any topics that make you feel like that?

Edit: actually responding to the rest of your comment, I'm a strong believer in the power of individual choices. The whole plant-based movement for example in The Netherlands (and outside) over the last few years was fully driven by individual consumer choices and little bits of money shifting in other directions. European politics actually tried to hinder it for a while, but at some point when something becomes the popular thing to think, politics will have to follow.

[basisword]

>> But I also believe in some basic level of 'holding each other accountable'.

I agree. There are certainly climate-related things I try to hold my extended family to account over (e.g. basics like recycling). I guess where we disagree is where the line is and how much criticism we’re willing to accept and impart :)

Thanks for discussing it with me so pleasantly.

[Theory42]

Is it possible that this bothers you personally? Flying really is one of the most negatively impactful things that an individual can do. Shifting the focus to government or business may be 'also correct', but you could also call it whataboutism.

[avgcorrection]

> You're right, there could be many reasons. But given the time we live in know it seems like something you don't want to wear with pride or without a disclaimer.

In other words: I am not saying that he should be ashamed of being a pollutant. But I am wondering why he isn’t ashamed of it.

[2143]

Going through his blog, it appears the man is a digital nomad (and a minimalist in theory — he only owns two suitcases of stuff — which is important considering he's likely a wealthy person), and lives the life he loves; give him a break.

Btw, he isn't traveling just for the sake of traveling — he has conferences around the world, and he's a European working in USA which means he probably flies back and forth from his home country a lot more than an average American. (Doesn't help that North America is far away from everywhere else).

For what it's worth, he makes an attempt to schedule all his conferences such that he wouldn't have to keep flying to/from North America in between conferences.

Felix Krause, keep doing whatever it is that you do and enjoy your life.