Too much air travel by university staff (From York Press)

Too much air travel by university staff

9:48am Friday 3rd September 2010 in

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I WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree with Colin Campbell on the issue of the University of York’s travel-related carbon footprint (Letters, August 30).

Indeed, the earlier introduction of the measures proposed by Mr Campbell might have meant that I would not have been underemployed for quite so long.

I am certain that the perceived need to travel by air has cost me at least two research jobs that I have been interviewed for over the last three years, and as a consequence I have remained in very junior, temporary administrative positions despite my PhD (I have been advised not travel by air because of a medical condition).

Having said this, it is hard to see how the university can get around the massive amount of air travel its staff indulge in.

Firstly, all universities compete in a global market place and so staff have to be players on a global scene, either at conferences or doing lecture tours.

Secondly, staff need to promote themselves on an international stage to enhance their career prospects.

So, the university is not alone in generating a massive travel carbon footprint, but it could do more to reduce it.

Dr RB Greaves, Morehall Close, York.