Who is Flying Less for Environmental Reasons

Purnell, Paul; Melia, Steve

Abstract

Many previous studies have shown how people with pro-environmental attitudes tend to fly more than the general population. This study examines the minority who have reduced their flying for environmental reasons. It used an online questionnaire distributed via environmental organisations based in the UK, followed up with in-depth interviews with a subsample. These ‘reducers’ are mainly educated, professional, middle-aged and white. The main alternative to flying is rail, although the respondents report several barriers to international rail travel, which they have had to overcome. Their main motivations are ethical; most have developed strong counter-identities based around sustainable transport. The main barriers they face relate to unsympathetic social norms; this is an area where environmental organisations could and should do more to lead by example

Citation

Purnell, P., & Melia, S. (2019). Who is Flying Less for Environmental Reasons. World Transport Policy and Practice, 25(3), 197-209

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 2, 2019
• Publication Date: 2019-07
• Deposit Date: Sep 11, 2019
• Journal: World Transport Policy & Practice
• Print ISSN: 1352-7614
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 25
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 197-209
• Keywords: aviation; flying; environmental behaviour; environmental organisations
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/2953282
• Publisher URL: http://worldtransportjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/25.3-Final-opt.pdf