Skift Take
Greta Thunberg's climate activism is a thing of beauty. The fact that a teenager from the small country of Sweden can have such a powerful impact on world opinion is inspiring. But another Swedish environmental sensation, known as flygskam (flight shaming), might need a bit of tinkering.
While 100 percent on board Greta Thunberg’s carbon-neutral yacht, I can’t help but wonder if another phenomenon coming out of Sweden is an equally efficient use of energy. Flygskam, or flight shaming, in which airline passengers are derided for their choice of transportation, is quickly becoming a thing around the world. As the movement grows, it's likely that other sectors of the transportation industry will be targeted as well.
Right now, the impact of this bottom-up approach to activism is being felt by Europe's aviation industry. That's because train travel is a legitimate alternative for most people traversing that continent. But elsewhere, perhaps the ire of flight-shamers might be better directed elsewhere. After all, if one is going to reproach travelers for their waste
