Green Mauritius: Cut Down Flights

According to Greenpeace Chief Scientist, Doug Parr, air travel is the world fastest growing source of greenhouse gasses. Citing the much-respected group of scientists, the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, he writes (Airline Business, April 2008) that aviation is responsible for 3.5% of climate change. For industrialized nations, the proportion is much higher. According to UK Government estimates, aviation alone contributes 13% of the greenhouse gas emissions, and keeps on rising. Our decision-makers should think about it and stop approving unnecessary foreign trips when the mission can be accomplished using modern communication networks. But can they fight the obsession to catch a plane for trivial trips using public funds while the going is good?