Online and offline, I frequently hear that #flyingless is for senior researchers, while early career researchers should have unlimited access to flying so we can build our careers. Although I recognize and appreciate the generosity, I have some comments on this. (1)

From what I've seen it seems that where early career researchers are actively involved in planning institutional reduction schemes, they include themselves in carrying the burden. Perhaps the special allowance you think we need is not what we actually want. (2)

Of course I can't speak on behalf of others. I'm just saying that this conversation should be had openly between academic generations, without making assumptions about either group's interests, nor about the necessity to keep relying on traditional forms of career building. (3)

Maybe we don't want to fly. Here's another spin on it: For those early career researchers or students with strong environmental values, the expectation to fly against our conscience might actually put us off science, or a particular institution. (4)

Instead of exempting us from #flyingless policies, a better way to attract junior researchers of integrity might be to work extra hard to replace traditional forms of networking and career-building so that our careers can be less carbon-dependent than yours had to be. (5)

Personally, I would be much more impressed by an employer who permits #flyingless and supports me with virtual/local career building, vs. one who tells me I have guaranteed access to two flights per year (and am implicitly obliged to take them). (end of thread)