Air travel, as research from HiFX and other studies undertaken have shown, is the Achilles heel of owning a property abroad. We advocate responsible, ethical ownership of property, but however much a property may be constructed in an environmentally-sound manner, reducing energy use and CO2 emissions, taking a flight to the property can undo a large percentage of the good done. What to do? Travelling in Europe, it is possible to take a train – the most eco-friendly form of transport after cycling or walking, or drive. A car journey where the vehicle is full of people, rather than a solo driver, will emit less CO2 per head than a plane and even than taking a ferry, which are users of diesel – a fossil fuel that emits large amounts of CO2 when burned.

But what to do indeed because air travel is increasing: from 1990-2004, the number of people using UK airports rose by 120 per cent. The energy planes consumed increased by 79 per cent, and their carbon emissions almost doubled from 20.1 to 39.5 million tonnes, during the same time period [1]. True, new aviation technology will reduce CO2 emissions, but the forecast increase in air travel may well negate it. Environmentalist, scientists and several dozen other worthies and notables have tried to find a way around the impasse – but most conclude there isn't one. Increased taxes and ‘flight rationing’ have been mooted, but ultimately we have to self-regulate. For if we fly we create climate change. If we fly often and long distances, as do I for work but also on occasion to reach a holiday destination, we are affecting great climate change. That's the truth, however unpalatable and inconvenient it may be.