The Long Journey Home: Another No -fly Journey for Dr. Grimalda
Social scientist Dr. Gianluca Grimalda, known for 'refusing' to fly, is on another no-fly journey home after 10 months of climate research in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. On September 29, 2026, he began his 23,000 km trip across 15 countries from the Pacific to Europe, providing once again a unique, first-hand perspective on slow travel and climate change.
"A voice inside me tells me not to get on the boat and to stay here. But I feel that the battle against climate change is being fought in Europe. Here, in this part of the world where we are on the front line facing the destruction caused by global warming – without being responsible for it – the best we can do is adapt."
These are the emotional words of Dr. Gianluca Grimalda, an Italian scientist known for his refusal to fly. He wrote them on Substack as he prepared for another journey back to Europe—naturally, without using a plane.
It is October 2026, shortly after he spent ten months on the island of Bougainville—the largest island in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea—conducting research. The study encompassed 25 indigenous communities and focussed on social and psychological responses to climate risks.
Having previously conducted fieldwork in this region, he had earlier been dismissed from his position at the Kiel Institute due to his refusal to fly; this marked the first instance in which someone lost their job as a result of this type of conscientious objection.
"Here, in this part of the world where we are on the front line facing the destruction caused by global warming – without being responsible for it – the best we can do is adapt."
Climate Change and Human Psychology
Dr. Grimalda's research highlights a significant gap in climate studies regarding human psychology, as he explained to Perspective Living. "Bougainville people are affected by fast-rising sea levels and progressive food scarcity," he told us. "The study's goal is to see how experiencing real-life climate situations affects people's willingness to cooperate to avert collective risks akin to climate change."
"When asked whether they take any action to protect themselves against climate change, two thirds of the people answer negatively," he continued, adding the findings show that this partly comes down to people's mindset, and that most people prefer relying on luck than team up to dodge these risks.
Planes can Really Make a Difference
Dr. Grimalda is really committed to his beliefs, so he's decided to, once again, travel for his research without flying. This means his long trip back to Europe is expected to take around 70-80 days. Back in 2025, he made an epic 23,200 km journey from Italy to Bougainville using various types of transport. He mentioned that this way, he only released 950 kg of CO2, compared to the 5,600 kg he would have if he had taken a plane.
Helping move the world towards a fossil-free society, Dr. Grimalda points out that even though aviation is responsible for 4% of emissions, its fast growth might make its impact bigger. "Even though this individual act is negligible in total global emissions, I believe scientists have a responsibility to lead by example. Scientists are among the most trusted public figures," he said.
"Even though this individual act is negligible in total global emissions, I believe scientists have a responsibility to lead by example. Scientists are among the most trusted public figures"
The Long Journey Home: Setting an Example
Scientists such as Dr. Fabian Dablander of The London School of Economics and Political Science and Dr. Charlie Gardner from the university of Kent, have praised Grimalda's actions.
"If we are to avoid the most devastating impacts of climate breakdown, we need to massively reduce global aviation, but if even climate scientists continue flying, what kind of signal does that send?", reflected Dr Charlie Gardner. "Gianluca's incredible journeys are a powerful example of what acting in an emergency should look like."
To which Dr Fabian Dablander added: "Dr Grimalda’s commitment to low-carbon travel is a deeply inspiring act of breaking with business as usual. I hope it encourages scientists and other professionals to reflect on their own high-carbon travel practices, while reminding policymakers of the need to curb the continued growth of aviation.
"If we are to avoid the most devastating impacts of climate breakdown, we need to massively reduce global aviation, but if even climate scientists continue flying, what kind of signal does that send?"
Find here a Bluesky thread documenting no-fly journey from Europe to Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, in 2025.
Find more on Substack about Dr Grimalda's movitations for no-fly travel, and his reflections on his journey.
On his last journey Dr. Gianluca Grimalda's covered over 40,000 kilometers, mainly by land and sea. He used 18 coaches, 18 trains, 7 ferries, 1 cargo ship, 8 vans or shared taxis, 2 trucks or hitchhikes, 2 police convoys, and 2 airplanes when necessary.
Heads up: An interview with Dr Grimalda with Perspective Living will be published after his journey has completed. Stay tuned!
