Climate Researcher Faces Job Loss for Refusing to Fly Home or to Germany
Climate researcher Dr. Gianluca Grimalda risks losing his position at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy in Germany for refusing to fly home from Papua New Guinea. Grimalda plans to reduce his carbon emissions by 90% and travel back using ferries, coaches, trains, and cargo ships. The institute gave him three days notice to return, which would have required flying, and threatened him with redundancy if he failed to comply. Grimalda's September salary has not been paid, and his offer of unpaid leave was rejected. The impact of aviation on climate change is under scrutiny, and activists like Greta Thunberg advocate for greener travel alternatives. Grimalda is prepared to face the consequences of his decision, citing climate anxiety as a mental health concern.