Why Flying Less remains difficult: a theory of practice perspective on transdisciplinary climate and sustainability conferencing

Abstract

Air travel for academic and policy convening is a growing contributor to global carbon emissions. Researchers, policymakers, consultants, and practitioners working in the environment, climate, and sustainability (ECS) field are particularly implicated, as prevailing practices of frequent flying may jeopardise the long-term credibility of their work. This study applies Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of practice to better understand how air travel-intensive professional practices are perpetuated within the ECS community, and the factors that deter from a wider adoption of hybrid and virtual conferencing. Drawing on an international survey, the findings reveal that unequal access to digital capital and entrenched belief in the superiority of face-to-face interactions collectively sustain the illusio that air travel is indispensable. Furthermore, the habitus of conferencing as a means of accumulating symbolic capital reinforces a reward structure that continues to incentivise frequent flying. The findings further show how power dynamics sustain the dominance of frequent flying and reinforce the emergence of digital elites. Transforming air travel-intensive ECS practices thus requires those who shape success in the field to move beyond reliance on short-term technical fixes and foster collective responsibility for decarbonisation. It also calls for active engagement in developing new practices and incentive structures that encourage low-carbon alternatives.