Jet-setting Bali delegates advised to 'wear fewer clothes' to save C02

While winter takes hold good and proper back in Blighty, the Great and the Good of climate change prevention are currently enjoying the tropical climes of Bali. The conference, which aims to address the threat we're under worldwide and propose solutions, got underway yesterday, with delegates from over 180 nations.

How did these several thousand people get there? You can bet it wasn't by wind power. According to Charles Clover in the Telegraph, "more than 100,000 tons of carbon dioxide" will have been emitted by delegate flights alone - including the private jet treatment for the likes of Al Gore, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Leo DiCaprio, not to mention all the journos that will jet in. Is it worth guzzling all this gas for a conference whose sole aim is cutting down on climate-affecting behaviour? The point is certainly causing heated discussion on various blogs.

But don't think it's all hypocrisy: as the New Scientist Environment Blog points out, delegates have been given detailed instructions on how their dress code could have a positive impact. Advised to choose cooler fabrics and less formal attire, the official conference site states: "The secretariat hopes that amending the dress code will allow participants to conduct discussions in a more comfortable environment, as well as limit the use of air conditioning and thereby reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

In other words, if you see Al Gore wearing a shirt and tie, call him a hypocrite!

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