[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.