If the proposed ethical constraints on entering academic and research careers, as suggested in the preceding post (link above), can be conveniently but hypocritically ascribed to the medium or long term, the moral imperatives incumbent upon university professors and researchers concerning sustainable behavior cannot be casually overlooked.
As individuals deeply engaged in the realm of science, dedicating themselves to extensive study, writing, and advocacy for addressing the climate emergency and embracing sustainable practices, they must embody these principles. A failure to do so creates a significant obstacle in persuading fellow citizens to recognize and embrace their inevitable share of responsibility in this collective endeavor. https://pacheco-torgal.blogspot.com/2019/10/the-role-of-academia-towards-type-1.html
Though it might seem uncommon for university professors and researchers to replicate the extraordinary feat achieved by scientist Peter Kalmus (Scopus h-index=57), who significantly reduced his annual carbon footprint to a mere 2 (two) tons https://pacheco-torgal.blogspot.com/2021/10/peter-kalmus-teaches-incoherent_29.html they can proactively engage in mitigating their carbon emissions by purchasing carbon credits from developing nations. This not only aligns with the ethos of global environmental responsibility but also provides a tangible means for addressing the urgent issue of worldwide economic inequality. This strategy resonates with the perspectives advocated by esteemed scholar Thomas Piketty in his latest book, where he underscores economic inequality as a formidable barrier hindering the harmonious reconciliation between humanity and Nature.
Declaration of Interests: I wish to disclose that I have no affiliation with the Climate Stewards platform. This platform facilitates the easy assessment of an individual's carbon footprint and provides the option to purchase carbon credits at a rate of 30 euros per ton. This implies that any university professor or researcher, who does not heavily rely on air travel, can easily mitigate their own carbon emissions.
PS - It is noteworthy that Peter Kalmus is counted among those who heeded the call made by professors C.Gardner (Kent U.) and C.Wordley (Cambridge U.) in 2019. In an article published in the journal Nature, these scholars urged scientists to actively engage in civil disobedience movements, thereby introducing an additional dimension of responsibility to their obligations in academia https://pacheco-torgal.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-scientists-who-have-abandon.html This responsibility became notably pronounced in light of the profound impact conveyed through the speeches of two distinguished professors, Gills and Morgan: "Dramatic action is now urgently needed by all—from governments, financial entities, corporations, communities, households, and individuals...without it our nightmares may become realities"
