“Despite being faced with mounting household costs, what’s clear from our research is that consumers, where possible, are still prioritising holidaying this summer“ (Linda Ellett)
Mainstream media coverage of Greek wildfires late July mainly concentrated on how they affected vacationing Brits, with scant attention given to the impact on the local population, wildlife or the environment. While tourists whinged about cancelled Jet2 and TUI flights and being evacuated from Rhodes beaches – ironically by small boats – Greeks sensibly worked at night to avoid the daytime heat and thousands of animals perished. Some found in a sorry state were rescued by Romanian firefighters and animal charity workers.
The Greek Tourism Minister went to Rhodes airport to say only a part of the island was affected (a central belt stretching to Lindos). Her priority was to ensure safety and returns home. Incredibly still invited to visit in the excessive heat, The Glove-Puppet joined in a few days later, telling us he was going within the week.
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) datai indicated that Europe was the fastest-warming continent in the world with temperatures 2.3 oC hotter in 2022 than at the end of the 19th century. According to various estimates, tourism accounted for 8% of carbon emissions in March 2020 and 11% by November 2022, suggesting increased activity since the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions.
it appeared Brits saw no connection between their actions and the devasting impact on the climate. Despite the cost of living crisis, many didn’t consider flying off to The Med to roast on a beach a luxury. Research by KPMGii found a significant percentage of those surveyed prioritised vacationing in their summer spending and 29% planned to take a foreign holiday, if they hadn’t already.
A day before the flights stopped, Phil’s colleagues looked forward to a Greek holiday. “Whereabouts?” he asked. “No idea.” “It’s a big country!” It turned out to be Rhodes. Cancelled, they were offered a Spanish alternative for a mere £500 extra. “Eh? The holiday company should be paying!” Non-stop rain here, BBC national weather showed a photo of a nearby overflowing weir. On checking, I noted a flood risk in place but it didn’t warrant sirens. Phil bemoaned missing the European heatwave. “At least we don’t have raging fires.” “That would be unlikely in this sogginess!”
The European Central Bank reported rising temperatures could mean inflation going up 1% a year until 2035, which prompted yet another needless phrase: ‘climate inflation’. Adding to holiday costs, we couldn’t fathom how people could afford them. Seeking a UK jolly for September, we discovered even rail travel prohibitively expensive. “All this to avoid flying!” an exacerbated Phil grumbled. “That’s a factor, but it’s the hassle and the expense as well” I replied. He reminisced on the peaceful days of lockdown #1 when corvids larked about in quiet skies: “The pandemic really made me think. It was so nice and peaceful with no planes in the air.” Then added: “I sound like a right hippy!”
References:
ii. KPMG: Summer holiday demand evident, despite cost of living – KPMG United Kingdom
The Corvus Diaries 